Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, NY (2023 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $8,983
- 25-Year Savings: $10,318
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Washington.
The average cost of solar panels in Washington is 2.95 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Washington, most homeowners require a 4.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $8,983, or $12,846 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Washington find investing in solar can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Washington, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,211 |
| 3 years | $-6,667 |
| 5 years | $-5,123 |
| 7 years | $-3,579 |
| 9 years | $-2,035 |
| 11 years | $-491 |
| 13 years | $1,053 |
| 15 years | $2,597 |
| 17 years | $4,141 |
| 19 years | $5,685 |
| 21 years | $7,229 |
| 23 years | $8,773 |
| 25 years | $10,318 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Washington:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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
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 several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Washington homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Washington's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have 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 down 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $13,728 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $18,634 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $23,706 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $28,943 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $34,345 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $39,912 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $45,644 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $51,542 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Washington?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Washington?
You can't get solar panels for free in Washington. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact the value of my 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 $301,487, which means you could be looking at a value of about $12,361 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 should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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.