South Sound Solar’s story began in 2007 in the back of a dining room and the middle bay of a carport in Olympia, Washington. Founder Kirk Haffner, a former high school STEM teacher with a Master’s degree in Physics from the University of Washington, had spent decades in the green energy movement before launching his own solar installation company in 2008. When Washington State passed legislation creating solar incentives in 2006, Kirk saw an opportunity to turn his passion into a company that could educate homeowners across the South Puget Sound region about the true potential of solar energy in the Pacific Northwest. As a founding member of Solar Installers of Washington, South Sound Solar helped shape the state’s solar industry from the ground up. The company grew from those humble beginnings into a respected solar installer in Olympia and throughout Washington, completing thousands of residential and commercial solar panel installations over the years. Kirk’s teaching background informed the company’s mission: not just to install solar systems, but to educate consumers and communities, encouraging them to rethink energy production and empowerment. The team hosted free educational workshops, participated in local events, and worked actively at the state level to protect homeowner rights and advance pro-solar legislation. South Sound Solar prioritizes American-made products, sourcing equipment manufactured in the USA or Washington State whenever possible. The company holds NABCEP and UL certifications, with Kirk being the only UL certified PV installer in Washington. Projects range from residential rooftop arrays to complex commercial installations like the solar system at Providence St. Peter Hospital’s Sunshine House and the Quixote Village tiny home community that provides housing for those experiencing homelessness. Reviews consistently highlight the crew’s professionalism, knowledge, and absence of high-pressure sales tactics—customers describe the experience as educational and relaxed, with staff who answer every question thoroughly. The company has been recognized on Solar Power World’s Top Solar Contractors list multiple years, ranking #331 in 2025 and #345 in 2023. Kirk also received a Green Business of the Year award for his commitment to sustainability. Though Kirk Haffner passed away in 2024, his legacy continues through the dedicated team he entrusted with the business. Operating from their net-zero facility in Olympia, South Sound Solar remains a family-owned business committed to full-service solar installation in Washington—from initial consultation and system design through engineering, permitting, installation, and ongoing service. For homeowners seeking solar panels in Olympia and surrounding Washington communities, the company brings local expertise, honest guidance, and a genuine commitment to clean energy that extends far beyond the sale.
South Sound Solar is a full-service solar installer based in Olympia, Washington, serving residential and commercial customers throughout the state. Founded in 2008, the company specializes in grid-tied solar electric systems, off-grid installations, battery storage solutions, and solar hot water systems. As a founding member of Solar Installers of Washington, the company handles every aspect of home solar installation—from engineering and design to permitting, installation, and long-term service. South Sound Solar holds NABCEP and UL certifications and prioritizes American-made equipment. The company has completed thousands of solar energy system installations across Washington and maintains a reputation for education-focused customer service without high-pressure sales.
FOUNDING MEMBER OF SOLAR INSTALLERS OF WASHINGTON: We helped build Washington’s solar industry from the ground up and actively advocate for homeowner rights at the state level, giving our clients confidence that we understand local regulations, utility requirements, and incentive programs better than anyone.
EDUCATION-FIRST APPROACH: Our founder was a physics teacher, and that educational mission lives on. We offer free workshops, answer every question thoroughly, and never use high-pressure sales tactics—customers consistently describe our process as informative and relaxed, not like buying from a typical salesman.
CERTIFIED EXPERTISE WITH LOCAL COMMITMENT: We hold NABCEP and UL certifications and are the only UL certified PV installer in Washington. As a family-owned Olympia business operating from a net-zero facility, we’ve installed thousands of systems across Washington and we’ll be here to service them for years to come.
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