Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, IL (2024 Update)

  • Washington Solar Installation Cost: $16,749
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,152
  • Payback Period: 18.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

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.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Washington, most homeowners require a 6.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,749, or $23,951 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Washington

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-15,898
3 years $-14,197
5 years $-12,496
7 years $-10,795
9 years $-9,093
11 years $-7,392
13 years $-5,691
15 years $-3,989
17 years $-2,288
19 years $-587
21 years $1,115
23 years $2,816
25 years $4,517

Top Solar Installers in Washington

Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Washington

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Washington

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Washington: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Washington, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,760 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Washington, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Washington offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Washington’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.91 $16,424 $4,614 19.5 years
8 kW $3.84 $21,477 $6,573 19.1 years
10 kW $3.76 $26,320 $8,743 18.8 years
12 kW $3.68 $30,952 $11,123 18.4 years
14 kW $3.61 $35,374 $13,714 18.0 years
16 kW $3.53 $39,585 $16,515 17.6 years
18 kW $3.46 $43,586 $19,527 17.3 years
20 kW $3.38 $47,376 $22,750 16.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Washington, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Washington?

The average cost of solar panels in Washington is about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Washington is currently $193,486, so you can expect a value of about $7,933 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Washington is a rewarding investment.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last 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.

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