Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, OH (2024 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $17,915
- 25-Year Savings: $9,516
- Payback Period: 19.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Washington.
In Washington, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Washington homeowner needs a 7.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,915 with the federal tax credit, or $25,618 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Washington depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Washington, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,838 |
| 3 years | $-14,684 |
| 5 years | $-12,530 |
| 7 years | $-10,376 |
| 9 years | $-8,222 |
| 11 years | $-6,068 |
| 13 years | $-3,914 |
| 15 years | $-1,760 |
| 17 years | $394 |
| 19 years | $2,548 |
| 21 years | $4,702 |
| 23 years | $6,855 |
| 25 years | $9,009 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost 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
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 mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Washington, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Washington is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.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 car 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $3,465 | 20.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $5,002 | 19.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $6,730 | 19.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $8,648 | 19.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $10,758 | 18.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $13,059 | 18.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $15,551 | 17.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $18,233 | 17.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer 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, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Washington, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Washington?
The average cost of solar panels in Washington is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Washington?
Solar panels aren’t free in Washington, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $611.99 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Washington?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.