Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, IN (2023 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $16,209
- 25-Year Savings: $22,623
- Payback Period: 10.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
We break down average solar pricing in Washington.
The average cost of a solar system in Washington is 2.68 per watt. The average Washington homeowner needs a 8.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,209 with the federal tax credit, or $23,179 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Washington homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Washington, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,655 |
| 3 years | $-11,549 |
| 5 years | $-8,442 |
| 7 years | $-5,336 |
| 9 years | $-2,229 |
| 11 years | $877 |
| 13 years | $3,984 |
| 15 years | $7,091 |
| 17 years | $10,197 |
| 19 years | $13,304 |
| 21 years | $16,410 |
| 23 years | $19,517 |
| 25 years | $22,623 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Washington:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Washington: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Washington homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $2.79 | $11,706 | $15,271 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $20,662 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $26,203 | 10.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $31,893 | 10.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $37,734 | 10.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $43,725 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $49,866 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $56,157 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Washington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Washington?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Washington?
You can't get solar panels for free in Washington. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Washington have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.