Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, OH (2023 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $13,458
- 25-Year Savings: $9,508
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
We break down average solar pricing in Washington.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Washington is 2.56 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Washington is around 7.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,458 for a solar installation, or $19,245 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the large initial cost, the average Washington homeowner can save about $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Washington for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,539 |
| 3 years | $-10,702 |
| 5 years | $-8,865 |
| 7 years | $-7,028 |
| 9 years | $-5,190 |
| 11 years | $-3,353 |
| 13 years | $-1,516 |
| 15 years | $322 |
| 17 years | $2,159 |
| 19 years | $3,996 |
| 21 years | $5,833 |
| 23 years | $7,671 |
| 25 years | $9,508 |
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 take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Washington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Washington
For many Washington homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends 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 significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use 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 $2,560. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Washington average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Washington, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. Washington's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.66 | $11,182 | $7,178 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $9,857 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $12,680 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $15,646 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $18,755 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $22,008 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $25,404 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $28,943 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, 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:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Washington, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Washington?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
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 you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Washington?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.