Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, MO (2024 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $16,974
- 25-Year Savings: $16,541
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
We break down average solar pricing in Washington.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Washington it’s 3 per watt.The average Washington homeowner needs a 7.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,974 with the federal tax credit, or $24,273 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Washington, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,683 |
| 3 years | $-13,102 |
| 5 years | $-10,521 |
| 7 years | $-7,940 |
| 9 years | $-5,358 |
| 11 years | $-2,777 |
| 13 years | $-196 |
| 15 years | $2,385 |
| 17 years | $4,966 |
| 19 years | $7,547 |
| 21 years | $10,128 |
| 23 years | $12,710 |
| 25 years | $15,291 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Washington, we've organized 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 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
Though the average cost of a solar system in Washington is $16,974, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Washington, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,370 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Washington, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Washington is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Washington know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.50 | $14,720 | $9,951 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $13,645 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $17,528 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $21,600 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $25,860 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $30,310 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $34,948 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $39,774 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Washington?
The average cost of solar panels in Washington is about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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.