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.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Washington generally cost about 3.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.
Bear 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 look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Washington homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, 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
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 primary factors that affect your total cost in Washington: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,370 per kilowatt in Washington.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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
Most solar installers in Washington provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Washington, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 large number of companies available in Washington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 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 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.