Does Solar Energy Really Work in Washington State? 

Yes!  On an annual basis, we receive 68% as much solar energy as the best location in the United States.  You can support America’s Energy Independence, while taking advantage of Federal Tax Credits and Utility Incentives, by installing a renewable energy system on your home or business this year.

Our Mission

With offices in Bellingham and Seattle, we are a leading provider of residential and commercial solar electric, solar hot water, small wind systems and solar space heating systems in Washington State.  We strive to design and install the most cost-effective energy-saving solutions for our clients.  In so doing, we hope to contribute to decreasing our country's dependence on fossil fuel and its contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions.

Why Solar?

In this age of rising energy costs and supply uncertainties, renewable energy will save you money, add value to your home or business, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.  Consider solar energy as a wise long-term investment.  A key reason for this investment is that with worldwide supplies finally catching up with the demand, we have seen prices falling dramatically in the past several months.  When combined with the new 30% Tax incentives from the recent Federal Stimulus Package, prices have fallen almost 40% for the end customer. 

Additionally, studies have shown that for every $1 decrease in annual energy bills, the value of property increases by $20 (see article). The return on investment is higher for solar than other types of investments.  For example, a residential solar electric system in the Pacific Northwest will yield about 6% per year ROI (see example cash flow).  This is almost guaranteed as long as the sun rises and is tax free.  Over its life cycle a solar hot water system can save more than $14,000 compared to a gas hot water (see example).  In addition, these technologies are good for the planet.  They use solar energy and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.  There are many cost-effective options for using solar energy in the Pacific Northwest (see our article).

       

Company Profile

Western Solar Inc. specializes in designing and installing solar systems to conserve and reduce energy consumption in residential and commercial buildings.  We offer our clients the latest cost-effective technologies for generating electricity, heating water, heating buildings, and conserving energy.  We service our installations free of labor charges for the first year.  We have sales and design offices located in both Bellingham and Seattle, Washington.  Download and print pdf file of Western Solar.

Four Steps to Achieve Energy Independence

1) Review the information on this website, define your needs, and contact us.

See "Contact Us" page and call or submit the brief form including as much specific information as possible.  To receive a quote on a solar electric or hot water system, please complete and return the quotation questionnaire form for one or the other or both. 

2)  Site visit and assessment

Schedule us to visit your site and assess your solar access, installation area, or building site.  If required, the roof will be measured and a solar pathfinder survey will be performed.  This provides an estimate of shading and determines the percentage of total solar energy available at your site each month of the year.  We will design a system appropriate for your needs with a detailed price quotation which includes specifications, delivery and installation of all equipment, incentives available, and a calculation of return on investment.  This can generally be done at the time of the site visit.  The site visit assessment fee is $80 plus $1 per mile traveled from either North Seattle or Bellingham.  The fee is refundable upon purchase of a system.  

3) Want to finance your system and avoid the up front costs?  By financing a solar system your monthly payments may be offset by the monthly savings in your utility bills and can even generate net monthly savings.  There are several good sources for financing your solar system.  Following are just a few: Clean Power Finance         Sunwize Technologies         Loan Netter        CitiGroup    

4) Purchase and scheduling

When you decide to proceed, we will provide an installation or construction agreement for your approval.  You then pay a down payment (3% on buildings or 25% on solar systems).

5) Installation or construction

For installation of solar energy systems, when all materials are delivered to your site, you pay an additional 50% of the total cost and we obtain permits and install the system.  Upon completion and payment of the final 25% we will schedule an inspection for final approval.  You will then be producing your own power.  For, green building design see "Green Building"