Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, MI (2023 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $11,959
- 25-Year Savings: $13,160
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Washington.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Washington it's 2.81 per watt. Since a 6.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Washington, the average price of going solar will be about $11,959 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Washington based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Even with the high initial cost, the average Washington homeowner can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-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 | $-10,955 |
| 3 years | $-8,945 |
| 5 years | $-6,935 |
| 7 years | $-4,926 |
| 9 years | $-2,916 |
| 11 years | $-907 |
| 13 years | $1,103 |
| 15 years | $3,112 |
| 17 years | $5,122 |
| 19 years | $7,132 |
| 21 years | $9,141 |
| 23 years | $11,151 |
| 25 years | $13,160 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
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 $11,959, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,810 per kilowatt in Washington. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Washington, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Washington homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.92 | $12,274 | $12,529 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $17,020 | 12.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $21,668 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $26,474 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $31,437 | 11.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $36,557 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $41,835 | 10.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $47,270 | 10.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Washington, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Washington?
The average cost of solar panels in Washington is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 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 consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Washington?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Washington is currently $336,066, which means you can expect a value of about $13,779 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Washington is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 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.