Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, IA (2023 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $18,568
- 25-Year Savings: $31,242
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Washington.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Washington generally cost around 2.77. The average solar panel system size in Washington is around 9.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,576 for a solar installation, or $26,564 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. With average savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Washington find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Washington for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,402 |
| 3 years | $-18,070 |
| 5 years | $-17,738 |
| 7 years | $-17,406 |
| 9 years | $-17,074 |
| 11 years | $-16,742 |
| 13 years | $-16,410 |
| 15 years | $-16,078 |
| 17 years | $-15,745 |
| 19 years | $-15,413 |
| 21 years | $-15,081 |
| 23 years | $-14,749 |
| 25 years | $-14,417 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar company in Washington, we've compiled 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 many factors that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,770. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install 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 companies in Washington offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Washington, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $19,109 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $25,789 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $32,625 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $39,615 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $46,760 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $54,061 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $61,517 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $69,127 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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 $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Washington?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Washington?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.