Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, NY (2024 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $11,117
- 25-Year Savings: $10,315
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
We go over average solar pricing in Washington.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Washington, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Washington, most homeowners require a 4.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,117, or $15,897 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Washington depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Washington find going solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,854 |
| 3 years | $-7,328 |
| 5 years | $-4,801 |
| 7 years | $-2,275 |
| 9 years | $251 |
| 11 years | $2,778 |
| 13 years | $5,304 |
| 15 years | $7,831 |
| 17 years | $10,357 |
| 19 years | $12,883 |
| 21 years | $15,410 |
| 23 years | $17,936 |
| 25 years | $20,463 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Washington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Washington
There are a number of criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,650 per kilowatt in Washington.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Washington average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Washington homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Washington homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Washington, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $10,670 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $14,636 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $18,806 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $23,180 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $27,759 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $32,542 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $37,530 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $42,722 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations 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 the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Washington, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Washington?
The average cost of solar panels in Washington is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Washington?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Washington, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 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.