Cut operating costs and your carbon footprint with Solterra, Seattle’s trusted commercial solar installer.
SOLAR
is a smart
business move
Take charge of your energy costs, power good in your community, and protect the planet with solar built for Washington businesses.
Why Washington business owners are choosing solar
Cut overhead costs
Spend less on utility bills and more on growing your business.
Lower carbon footprint
It’s not just what you do, it’s how you do it. Be proud of how you power your product.
Higher property value
Every dollar you invest is pumped back into your pocket as equity.
Own your energy
Power outage? Pair solar with batteries to enjoy seamless operations.
Enjoy long-term returns
Say goodbye to volatile rate hikes and hello to consistent 5–8% returns.
Build a better brand
Customers want to see your values. Solar shouts them from your rooftop.
Save money with incentives
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
Deduct 30% of your total system cost (equipment and labor) to reduce what you owe in federal taxes.
To qualify, projects must begin construction by July 4, 2026 or go live by December 31, 2027
Accelerated Depreciation (MACRS)
Save more on taxes upfront by claiming 100% of your system’s value over the first year or first five years.
Does not expire
Washington Sales Tax Exemption
You won’t pay state or local sales tax on your system, cutting thousands off your total cost.
Expires end of 2029
Net Metering
Earn credits on your energy bill for all excess electricity your system sends to the grid.
Expires June 30, 2029 or when 4% cap is reached
Utility Rebates
Receive rebates for installing clean energy products like backup batteries, heat
pumps, and more!
Rebates vary by utility
Is solar a smart investment?
Yes, you can save thousands annually and future-proof your business against rising utility rates by choosing to own your energy.
Utility rates are skyrocketing in Washington
PSE customers will pay 18% more in 2026 than in 2024. As supply struggles to keep up with demand, energy costs will continue to inflate, making day-to-day business operations more expensive than ever. Solar provides decades of affordable and predictable energy costs.
Returns that rival the stock market
Solar is a reliable one-time investment that promises steady 5–8% returns over the 25+ year lifespan of the system. Businesses that choose to remain reliant on the grid may lose thousands in opportunity cost compared to investing in solar.
A one-time expense that pays in equity
Every cent spent on solar will make it back into your pocket, and then some. A solar system increases your property value and lowers your utility expenses, making your building highly attractive to future buyers.
Performance in the PNW
Don’t let the clouds fool you—solar panels love Seattle’s rain, mild climate, and long summer days.
Rain
Seattle’s refreshing rain showers clean dust off your solar panels—improving production by up to 10%.
Mild climate
Hotter isn’t always better. Solar panels perform best in temperatures below 80 degrees, making Washington’s moderate climate an ideal environment for peak performance.
Long summer days
Solar panels in Seattle bask in 20% more sunlight than those in Germany, the world’s leader in solar energy production.
Why choose Solterra?
Exceptional customer experience
Our experienced team provides top quality workmanship, clear communication, and a deep commitment to excellence. We seamlessly manage every stage of the project from design to permitting so you can enjoy business as usual without disruption.
Warranty-backed craftsmanship
Our durable, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing installations are backed by our comprehensive, 10-year warranty.
Local expertise
We’ve completed thousands of installations in the PNW. We expertly collaborate with architects, general contractors, and electrical subcontractors to bring your project to life on time and on budget.
WA energy code made easy
Washington requires all commercial buildings larger than 10,000 square feet to include a renewable energy system, like solar panels, of at least 0.5 W/square foot. Solterra has a proven track record helping commercial builders and owners meet all requirements of Washington’s evolving energy code.
View our work
Interurban Hotel of Tukwila
Real estate developers Omar and Christine Lee dreamed of bringing a modern hotel to Tukwila, WA. Just minutes away from the airport, the hotel’s design emphasized technology and innovation—making solar a perfect addition.
WorldKids School SODO/Georgetown
WorldKids School took advantage of several incentives to save big on solar. Now, they’re operating more sustainably, paying less for electricity, and setting a positive example for the children they serve.
See what clients are saying
We highly recommend using Solterra for your solar installation.
Marty Bishop
Kitsap UU Fellowship
I cannot express how pleased we are with the process and final product.
Mark von Ehrenkrook
Puyallup, WA
This is a rare company that delivers on everything it promises.
Allan Geller
Sammamish, WA
We’re experts at what we do, and so are our partners.
See if solar is right for your business.
It starts with a simple, free consultation— everything you need to make the right decision without any of the pressure.
Learn more about solar
How does solar work?
Solar panels absorb energy from the sun and convert it into clean, reliable electricity for your home, EV or business.
How much does solar cost?
From federal and state incentives to long-term savings potential, solar is a smart financial investment.
Does solar work in Washington?
Long summer days and our state’s net metering policy helps solar outshine the competition— even on cloudy days.
Frequently asked questions
Is solar worth it?
Absolutely! Switching to solar will save you money, raise your property value, and boost your brand image. Solar systems cut or entirely eliminate your monthly electricity bill and protect you from rising utility rates. Specific cost savings will depend on your solar offset, or the amount of energy your system produces compared to the amount of energy your business consumes, but you can safely expect to save thousands annually.
What incentives and tax credits are available for commercial solar installations?
Your business may qualify for the federal Investment Tax Credit (30% off the total cost of your system), federal Production Tax Credit (based on electricity output), Washington Tax Exemption (no local sales tax), local utility incentives, and accelerated depreciation (MACRS).
The One Big Beautiful Bill accelerated the phaseout of the ITC and PTC. Your project will still be eligible for the credit if it is online by 2027 or if construction begins by July 4, 2026 (one year after the bill was signed into law) and your system is placed in service within four years.
How much space do I need for a commercial solar system, and can it work for my type of building?
We customize our systems for every rooftop, parking area, or open land. Most commercial properties are viable, and we assess your space to design the right solution.
What is the installation process like and how long does it take?
From design to energization, commercial projects usually take 3–6 months, depending on permitting and system size. Installation itself typically takes just a few weeks.
How reliable is solar energy for commercial operations? Will I still have power if the grid goes down?
Standard systems shut off during outages for safety, but adding battery storage can keep essential operations running. We offer tailored backup options to meet your needs.
What kind of maintenance is required for a commercial solar system?
Commercial solar is low-maintenance. Systems require periodic cleaning and monitoring. We offer maintenance and performance tracking to ensure peak efficiency for 25+ years.
What is the return on investment (ROI) for commercial solar?
Most businesses see a payback in 5–10 years, with strong long-term savings and predictable energy costs for decades.
Will solar increase the value of my property or business?
Yes. Solar often boosts property value and reduces operating expenses, making your building more attractive to tenants or buyers.
Can solar help my company meet sustainability or ESG goals?
Absolutely. Solar is a visible, measurable way to reduce carbon emissions and meet corporate responsibility targets.
What happens if I sell my building after installing solar?
Solar, once installed, becomes a fixture of the building. All solar assets will transfer with the sale of the building. Solterra’s warranty is transferrable and new interconnection agreements with the utility are easy to set up for the new owner. We help ensure a smooth transition.
How do I know if my roof is suitable or needs repairs first?
We perform a full site assessment to check roof condition, weight capacity, and remaining lifespan. If repairs are needed, we’ll coordinate with your chosen roofer to align with installation.
Who handles the paperwork, permits, and utility approvals?
We do! Our team manages all permitting, engineering, inspections, and utility coordination from start to finish, ensuring your seamless transition to solar.