Western Solar

• Three-Way Monitoring Option
• Battery Backup and Off-Grid Systems
• Solar Panels Made Specifically for the Washington Climate
• Special Financing Programs

Three-Way Monitoring Option

Western Solar offers a web monitoring option. This option would allow you to receive reports on your solar energy production. It also alerts you to production problems with any of your micro-inverters. In addition to tracking your solar production, eGauge allows you to track your energy usage as well. You can use this system to compare everything on a single screen side-by-side with your production. This will help you achieve net-zero consumption, maximize your payback and lower your monthly electric bills. You will also receive monthly energy production reports sent straight to your email inbox.

Battery Backup and Off-Grid Systems

Traditional solar systems that are tied to your local power grid use either a micro or string inverter system. These are required by law to shutdown when the power goes out as this helps protect repair workers who are trying to restore power from being electrocuted. That means during an outage you won't have any power. However, Western Solar has an Outback battery backup system option that is grid-interactive and can stand alone, which means your system can switch to an off-grid mode where it can draw power stored in your battery bank when the power goes out.

Western Solar also offers an off-grid battery option as well. This option is perfect for those who are building a home in an area where no power is available. An off-grid system is custom designed to meet your specific energy needs throughout the year. However, in some cases, an additional generator may be required. Additionally, the current legislation still allows you to qualify for the 30% Federal Solar Tax Credit even though you are not connected to the local utility grid.

Solar Panels Made Specifically for the Washington Climate

Western Solar only uses Iteck Modules on all their solar installations. These solar panels are specifically made to withstand the harsh Washington climate. Iteck Modules are designed for maximum efficiency using precision robotic technology, can hold up to dead loads (like snow) of up to 113 pounds per square foot, they come with a 25-year protection warranty and a 10-year production warranty and they come with black frames at no extra cost. They also have a silver frame option as well.

Special Financing Programs

Western Solar has a Solar & Energy Efficiency Financing program with terms up to 15 years and loan amounts up to $50,000 with a fixed rate as low as 4.25%, which is better than what you would normally get with a home equity loan.

• No Lease or PPA Options
• Only Available in Washington State
• Web Monitoring Not Standard
• Limited Verified Western Solar Reviews

No Lease or PPA Options

Western Solar does not offer any lease or PPA options and for those who don't or can't qualify for financing, this could prevent them from going solar. Additionally, some people just prefer a lease or PPA option and the fact that Western Solar does not offer them will cause those customers to choose a different solar provider altogether.

Only Available in Washington State

Western Solar only provides solar service in one state — Washington. This is less than some of the other solar providers; however, if you live in Washington, this is not a problem. And if you live elsewhere, you may want to choose one of your local solar service providers instead.

Web Monitoring Not Standard

The solar company's website states that they provide website monitoring as an option. We feel this is something that should be included with your system as many of the other solar companies provide website monitoring already included with their service.

Limited Verified Western Solar Reviews

Unfortunately, few verified reviews regarding Western Solar's service, solar installation quality, and system performance are available online. Washington homeowners interested in learning more about potential energy savings or Western Solar's solar equipment will need to contact the company directly.