Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, KS (2023 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $13,851
- 25-Year Savings: $28,231
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Washington it's 2.59 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.6-kW system would cost about $13,851 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Washington see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Washington that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,168 |
| 3 years | $-8,801 |
| 5 years | $-5,435 |
| 7 years | $-2,068 |
| 9 years | $1,298 |
| 11 years | $4,665 |
| 13 years | $8,032 |
| 15 years | $11,398 |
| 17 years | $14,765 |
| 19 years | $18,131 |
| 21 years | $21,498 |
| 23 years | $24,865 |
| 25 years | $28,231 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Washington, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Washington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Washington
For many Washington homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Washington, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,590. The kind 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 be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Washington provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Washington, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $2.69 | $11,313 | $21,718 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $29,248 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $36,922 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $44,742 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $52,706 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $60,816 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $69,071 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $77,470 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Washington, KS Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Washington?
The average cost of solar panels in Washington is about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type 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?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Washington?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.