Starting a solar installation business in Spokane, Washington, offers a strong opportunity thanks to the region’s abundant sunshine, rising electricity rates, and growing consumer interest in renewable energy. However, success depends on mastering local regulations, standing out in search results, and winning trust in a community that values reliability. This guide covers everything you need — from licensing to local SEO — to launch and grow your solar company in Spokane.
Spokane averages more than 170 sunny days per year, making it one of Washington’s best locations for solar energy. Avista Utilities, the primary electric provider in the area, offers net metering, allowing homeowners to receive credit for excess power sent to the grid. Washington’s renewable portfolio standard and federal tax incentives (30% Investment Tax Credit through 2032) further drive demand. Local installers are seeing increased interest from both residential and commercial customers, particularly in neighborhoods like South Hill, Five Mile Prairie, and the Spokane Valley. Competition is growing but still manageable; established players include Solara and NW Wind & Solar, but there is room for a well-marketed new entrant.
The typical Spokane homeowner saves $800–$1,200 per year on electricity after going solar, with payback periods around 8–12 years. This makes cost transparency and financing options critical selling points. Additionally, Spokane’s City Council has supported renewable energy initiatives, and local organizations like the Spokane Solar Cooperative help community members go solar together, creating group-buy opportunities for installers.
To operate legally as a solar installer in Washington, you must comply with state and local mandates. Failure to do so can result in fines, project shutdowns, and loss of customer trust.
Washington requires all contractors performing electrical or construction work to hold a license from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Solar installation falls under electrical contracting because it involves wiring and interconnection. You need to register as an electrical contractor and obtain an Electrical Contractor License. Additionally, at least one person on your crew must hold an Administrator license (EL01) or a Journeyman (EL02) or Specialty Electrician certificate. The exam covers the National Electrical Code and Washington-specific amendments.
Register your business with the Washington Secretary of State (choose an LLC or corporation for liability protection). Obtain a Washington Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number, which is used for taxes and licensing. You will also need a Spokane City Business License if you operate within city limits. Check with Spokane County for any additional county permits.
Each solar project requires a building permit from the Spokane County Building & Planning Department (or city permit if within city limits). Avista Utilities must approve your interconnection application before you can tie the system to the grid. Submit a net metering application along with your electrical design. Plan for 2–4 weeks for permit review and 1–2 weeks for utility approval.
Washington requires a $12,000 contractor registration bond (or higher depending on project size). General liability insurance of at least $1 million and workers’ compensation coverage (through L&I) are mandatory. Many local banks and homeowners also require you to carry commercial auto insurance and professional liability coverage.
Your Google Business Profile (GBP) is the single most important local SEO asset. In Spokane, customers search "solar installers near me" and "Spokane solar companies" daily. Follow these steps to optimize yours.
Go to google.com/business and claim your profile. Use your physical business address in Spokane (a home office is fine, as long as you serve customers at their locations). You must verify via postcard or phone. Do not use a PO Box.
Primary category: “Solar energy contractor” or “Solar energy company.” Add secondary categories: “Electrician,” “Renewable energy contractor,” and “Home contractor.” This helps Google understand your services.
Reviews are the top ranking factor. Ask every satisfied customer to leave a review on your GBP. Respond to all reviews (positive and negative) within 24 hours. Use local keywords in your responses, for example: “Thank you, John, for choosing us for your South Hill solar installation!”
Upload high-quality photos of completed installations in Spokane. Label them with descriptive filenames like “Spokane-solar-panel-installation-south-hill.jpg.” Post weekly updates about incentives, energy savings, or project milestones. This signals activity to Google.
Ranking in Google Maps and organic search requires a holistic local SEO approach. Implement these tactics to outpace competitors.
Target location-specific phrases: “solar installation Spokane,” “Spokane solar panel company,” “solar energy systems Spokane WA,” “best solar installers in Spokane,” “Spokane Valley solar,” and “solar battery backup Spokane.” Use tools like Google Keyword Planner or Ahrefs to find search volume. Also target long-tail: “how much do solar panels cost in Spokane,” “solar permits Spokane county.”
List your business on local and industry directories: Spokane Chamber of Commerce, Spokane Better Business Bureau, Avista contractor network, SolarReviews, EnergySage, and Washington Solar Energy Industries Association (WASEIA). Keep Name, Address, Phone (NAP) consistent across all sites.
Earn backlinks from local sources: sponsor a Spokane nonprofit (e.g., The Lands Council) or write a guest post for the Spokane Journal of Business. Partner with local electricians or roofing contractors who can refer you and link to your site. Also get listed on the Spokane Regional Clean Energy page.
Pricing in Spokane is
Run a free GBP audit, analyze your competitors, and track your review growth — all in one platform.
Try BizLaunchIQ Free →