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10 best solar companies in Washington, District of Columbia
Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 10 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Washington. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
To complete a high-quality solar panel installation in Washington, District of Columbia, you'll need to find a certified, skilled and experienced solar installer. We've put together a list of the leading solar companies in Washington to help you select the right one.
Prior to hiring an installer, get referrals, evaluate potential installers and collect multiple quotes to find the best company for you. You can go with a local Washington solar company or use an established national brand.
Although solar panels require a significant upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long term. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), transitioning to solar energy enables Washington homeowners to save $1,100 on average each year.
Many solar companies provide different products. Make sure to compare each company and get quotes from all before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Find the top solar company for you in Washington
Search for Washington solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Look at reviews to get insight into other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and be on the lookout for consistent bad reviews.
Advanced Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Informative resources
- Reliable customer support
- Free quotes
- Prompt service delivery
EDGE Energy
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Suntuity Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Greenway home improvements
Services offered
Highlights
- Reliable customer support
- Free quotes
SunGaze Solar, L.L.C.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Tiger Solar
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
GreenBrilliance
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Sky NRG Solar Inc.
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
The Solar Brokers USA
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
Solar-Verse
Services offered
Highlights
- Clear pricing policy
More providers
Below are additional solar installation companies that didn’t make our top picks based on their distance, ratings or service offerings.
American Solar Enterprises LLC
Glim Solar
Solar Energy Services, Inc.
Advanced Green Home Solutions
What are the biggest reasons for going solar in Washington?
Places with varying amounts of sun, including those with higher levels of rain or cloud coverage like Washington, can still benefit from solar energy. Here are the biggest reasons for considering solar energy:
- Save on energy bills: Adopting solar can help decrease your electricity expenses. Solar panel systems create power to replace the electricity you would have otherwise bought from the utility company.
- Charge an electric vehicle: With a solar panel system, you can power electric vehicles right from your home. Using your own solar power is the best method to guarantee your electric car is powered by clean, renewable energy.
- Reduce environmental impact: Adopting solar lowers your carbon footprint by conserving fossil fuels otherwise used to power your home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), electricity production is one of the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
Facts about Washington
Monthly Energy Spending Per Capita
Clear Sky Days Per Year
Annual Solar Savings Per kW
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Washington?
Per a survey we carried out in October 2023, the typical cost of upgrading to solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation is impacted by your area, roof orientation, sunlight availability, labor costs, system size and shading. Choosing extras such as solar trackers, animal guards or batteries will increase the overall cost.
Drawing from data from the EIA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and NASA, installing solar panels in Washington generally runs about $20,713.
How much can you save by going solar in Washington?
Installing solar panels requires substantial spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through big reductions in your energy bills down the road.
Money savings in Washington from going solar
Homeowners in Washington who transition fully to solar energy can expect to save money. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and things such as rainfall and tree coverage impact the time it takes to see returns on your investment in solar panels.
- Payback period: The average payback period is the amount of time required for a solar panel system to offset its upfront cost through energy bill savings. Based on our calculations, which leverage data from the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE), NASA and the EIA, Washington's standard solar payback period is 19 years.
- Annual solar savings in Washington: On average, Washington homeowners can save $1,086 per year utilizing solar energy, according to our calculations based on data from the Department of Energy, NASA and the EIA.
- Average total solar savings after 25 years: After transitioning completely to solar power, you can expect to save about $8,662 over 25 years, according to our calculations from the EIA and NASA.
Energy savings in Washington from going solar
Not only does adopting solar save you money, but it also lowers your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are approximated CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Best solar installation for you
Experts Ready to Help
What solar incentives are available in Washington?
Multiple solar incentives are offered to Washington homeowners. Various programs are available to all District of Columbia residents, though others vary by municipality, utility company and city.
Available solar incentives for District of Columbia homeowners, as stated by DSIRE, include:
| Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
|---|---|
Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program Solar Renewable Energy Credits | Negotiated with procurement administrators |
Property Tax Incentive Solar Energy System and Cogeneration System Personal Property Tax Credit | 100% exemption |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
What are common factors to consider before hiring a Washington solar installer?
Consider these questions before hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
What size system do you need?
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. Bigger houses tend to use more power and will potentially need larger solar installations. An undersized system risks inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Is your home subject to specific permits and regulations?
Specific permits and state or local regulations could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the required permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Does your home get enough sunlight access?
Not all homes get the same amount of sunlight. Trees, rainfall and extreme weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may need additional panels with higher wattage.
Do you need a solar battery?
Many solar panel systems come with a solar battery. Solar batteries save extra energy, which can be crucial for ensuring continuous power during storms. Opting for battery storage could raise the cost of installation.
Which type of solar panel do you want?
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also panel replacement frequency and the space needed on your roof.
Our methodology for selecting solar companies
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
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