Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, IA (2024 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $26,880
- 25-Year Savings: $31,242
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Washington.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Washington typically cost around 4.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Washington, most homeowners require a 9.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $26,880, or $38,438 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Washington homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Washington find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,163 |
| 3 years | $-21,730 |
| 5 years | $-18,297 |
| 7 years | $-14,864 |
| 9 years | $-11,431 |
| 11 years | $-7,998 |
| 13 years | $-4,565 |
| 15 years | $-1,132 |
| 17 years | $2,301 |
| 19 years | $5,734 |
| 21 years | $9,167 |
| 23 years | $12,600 |
| 25 years | $16,033 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
For many Washington homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Washington, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation 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 $4,010.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. 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
Most solar installers in Washington provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Washington homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Washington’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.17 | $17,516 | $13,693 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $18,707 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $23,945 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $29,407 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $35,094 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $41,006 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $47,142 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $53,503 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Washington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Washington?
The average cost of solar panels in Washington is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Washington?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,040.29 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 level 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.