Western Solar
5.0
5.0
Author: Kaitlyn Short
Founded in 2002 in Bellingham, Western Solar has emerged as a leader in solar photovoltaic systems, battery backup solutions, electric vehicle charging stations, and ductless heat pumps.
The company serves clients throughout the I-5 corridor, including the following counties:
- Whatcom County
- Island County
- Skagit County
- Snohomish County
- San Juan County
Western is not just another contractor that does solar on the side; solar is the one and only focus. Western Solar's electricians are NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certified and are utilized by the electrical union to teach solar best practices.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Experience and Expertise
- Three-Way Monitoring Option
- Battery Backup and Off-Grid Systems
- Solar Panels Made Specifically for the Washington Climate
- Solar Panel Warranties
- Special Financing Programs
- Washington State Sales Tax Exemption
Experience and Expertise
With decades of cumulative experience and the installation of several megawatts of solar electric systems throughout the United States, Western Solar's team is well-versed in the intricacies of solar technology. Its track record demonstrates an ability to deliver top-quality installations.
Three-Way Monitoring Option
Western Solar offers a web monitoring option. This option allows you to receive reports on your solar energy production and 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. You can use this system to compare everything on a single screen side-by-side with your production. This can help users reach net-zero consumption through awareness and strategy in using electricity, maximizing your payback, and lowering your monthly electric bills.
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 shut down 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. Note that 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 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 and can hold dead loads (like snow) of up to 113 pounds per square foot.
Solar Panel Warranties
Western Solar’s panels come with a 25-year protection warranty and a 10-year production warranty.
Special Financing Programs
Western Solar has a Solar & Energy Efficiency Financing program with terms of up to 15 years and loan amounts up to $50,000 with a fixed rate as low as 4.25 percent, which is better than what you would normally get with a home equity loan.
Washington State Sales Tax Exemption
Western Solar is well-positioned to take advantage of Washington State's sales tax exemption for solar photovoltaic systems up to 100 kW AC when installed by qualified installers. This exemption reflects the state's commitment to incentivizing renewable energy adoption, making solar installations more financially attractive.
The Bad
- No Lease or PPA Options
- Size and Scale
- 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.
Size and Scale
As a regional provider, Western Solar may not have the same nationwide reach and resources as larger solar companies. This could potentially impact its capacity to handle very large-scale projects.
Web Monitoring Not Standard
The solar company's website states website monitoring is 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 installation.
Limited Verified Western Solar Reviews
Unfortunately, few verified reviews regarding Western Solar's service, solar installation quality, and system performance are available online. The lack of Western Solar reviews can make providing an accurate customer experience difficult. If you are a current or former Western Solar customer, we invite you to leave a review of your experience below.
The Bottom Line
Western Solar has many great features and benefits, including a three-way monitoring system, solar battery storage, and Iteck solar modules. That said, the solar provider does not offer solar leases or PPA financing option and markets its monitoring system as an available add-on option.
Washington homeowners interested in learning more about potential energy savings or Western Solar's solar equipment will need to contact the company directly.
