Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, IL (2023 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $12,161
- 25-Year Savings: $10,152
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Washington.
In Washington, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Because a 6.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Washington, the average price of going solar will be about $12,154 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Washington can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Washington, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,310 |
| 3 years | $-9,609 |
| 5 years | $-7,908 |
| 7 years | $-6,206 |
| 9 years | $-4,505 |
| 11 years | $-2,804 |
| 13 years | $-1,102 |
| 15 years | $599 |
| 17 years | $2,300 |
| 19 years | $4,001 |
| 21 years | $5,703 |
| 23 years | $7,404 |
| 25 years | $9,105 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system 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 determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Washington, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
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 various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better 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 | $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
The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 $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 certain factors such as the model 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 afford to 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 home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
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.
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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.