Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, IL (2023 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $12,154
- 25-Year Savings: $10,159
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Washington it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Washington is around 6.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,154 for a solar installation, or $17,380 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
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 | $-11,261 |
| 3 years | $-9,476 |
| 5 years | $-7,691 |
| 7 years | $-5,906 |
| 9 years | $-4,121 |
| 11 years | $-2,336 |
| 13 years | $-551 |
| 15 years | $1,234 |
| 17 years | $3,019 |
| 19 years | $4,804 |
| 21 years | $6,589 |
| 23 years | $8,374 |
| 25 years | $10,159 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another great thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
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 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
Though the average cost of a solar system in Washington is $12,154, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
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 spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in Washington. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better 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
Most solar installers in Washington provide 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 amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete 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 car 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $9,113 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $12,457 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $15,953 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $19,602 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $23,404 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $27,359 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $31,467 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $35,728 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Washington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to read 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 project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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, IL Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Washington?
The average cost of solar panels in Washington is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 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 use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Washington?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $701.26 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.