Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, MO (2023 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $13,045
- 25-Year Savings: $16,541
- Payback Period: 11.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
We go over average solar pricing 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 7.2-kW system would cost about $13,054 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,754 |
| 3 years | $-9,173 |
| 5 years | $-6,592 |
| 7 years | $-4,011 |
| 9 years | $-1,430 |
| 11 years | $1,151 |
| 13 years | $3,732 |
| 15 years | $6,314 |
| 17 years | $8,895 |
| 19 years | $11,476 |
| 21 years | $14,057 |
| 23 years | $16,638 |
| 25 years | $19,219 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar company 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
See all of the solar companies in Washington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Washington
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,590. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Washington, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Washington offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Washington homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Washington is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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 | $2.69 | $11,313 | $13,358 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $18,100 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $22,988 | 11.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $28,021 | 10.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $33,199 | 10.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $38,521 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $43,989 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $49,602 | 9.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from 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:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Washington, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Washington?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Washington?
A solar panel system isn't free in Washington, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Washington is currently $196,500, which means you can expect a value of about $8,056 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Washington is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.