Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, GA (2023 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $11,799
- 25-Year Savings: $26,108
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Washington.
The average cost of solar panels in Washington is 2.55 per watt. The average Washington homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,799 with the federal tax credit, or $16,873 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Washington find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Washington that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,283 |
| 3 years | $-7,250 |
| 5 years | $-4,217 |
| 7 years | $-1,185 |
| 9 years | $1,848 |
| 11 years | $4,880 |
| 13 years | $7,913 |
| 15 years | $10,945 |
| 17 years | $13,978 |
| 19 years | $17,010 |
| 21 years | $20,043 |
| 23 years | $23,076 |
| 25 years | $26,108 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Washington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Washington
The cost of installing a solar system in Washington can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Washington average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Washington, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Washington are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $23,269 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $31,311 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $39,495 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $47,823 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $56,293 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $64,906 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $73,662 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $82,560 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Washington, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Washington?
The average cost of solar panels in Washington is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Washington?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.