Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, IN (2024 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $24,787
- 25-Year Savings: $22,630
- Payback Period: 16.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
We go over average solar pricing in Washington.
In Washington, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Washington homeowner needs a 8.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $24,787 with the federal tax credit, or $35,445 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Washington homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Washington homeowner can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,461 |
| 3 years | $-20,810 |
| 5 years | $-18,159 |
| 7 years | $-15,507 |
| 9 years | $-12,856 |
| 11 years | $-10,205 |
| 13 years | $-7,554 |
| 15 years | $-4,903 |
| 17 years | $-2,251 |
| 19 years | $400 |
| 21 years | $3,051 |
| 23 years | $5,702 |
| 25 years | $8,354 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be challenging. Another great thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Washington, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Washington is $24,787, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Washington to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Washington homeowners, they can also increase 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
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Washington, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.26 | $17,909 | $9,069 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $12,551 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $16,263 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $20,204 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $24,375 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $28,775 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $33,405 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $38,265 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Washington, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Washington?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I 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 downside 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.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.