Tom,
If your source of power is a PUD, they generally have lots of free brochures, studies and reports that explain the difference in the types of solar panels, converters, etc., and provide guidance on how to design and implement a solar system for a house. Many PUD’s are also implementing community solar projects where you can buy into the project without have the panel installed on your house, lawn, etc., but rather in a central location. Seattle Power (a public utility) is doing a number of these community solar projects as has Mason County PUD and others. With the tax and investment credits available in Washington, the payback on a typical solar investment, whether community or your own system, is typically 2 - 3 years. Without the tax and investment credits, solar on you side of the mountains is a complete bust - 10% capacity factor or less meaning you can’t generate enough energy to equal the investment cost. Here on the right/dry side of the Cascades, we do better - around 19% and in some locations 20%.