Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, DC (2024 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $20,713
- 25-Year Savings: $8,662
- Payback Period: 19.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Washington.
In Washington, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 8.4-kW system would cost about $20,713 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may differ based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Washington can save about $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,714 |
| 3 years | $-17,717 |
| 5 years | $-15,720 |
| 7 years | $-13,723 |
| 9 years | $-11,726 |
| 11 years | $-9,729 |
| 13 years | $-7,732 |
| 15 years | $-5,735 |
| 17 years | $-3,737 |
| 19 years | $-1,740 |
| 21 years | $257 |
| 23 years | $2,254 |
| 25 years | $4,251 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
If you're looking for a solar company in Washington, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Washington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Washington
There are several factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,540 per kilowatt in Washington.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.68 | $15,463 | $4,027 | 19.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $5,766 | 19.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $7,703 | 19.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $9,838 | 18.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $12,171 | 18.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $14,703 | 17.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $17,433 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $20,361 | 17.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Washington, DC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Washington?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Washington?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Washington. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Washington?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Washington?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.