Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, PA (2023 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $11,888
- 25-Year Savings: $10,177
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Washington.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Washington typically cost about 2.55. Because a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Washington, the average price of going solar will be about $11,888 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $13,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Washington find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Washington for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,005 |
| 3 years | $-9,240 |
| 5 years | $-7,475 |
| 7 years | $-5,710 |
| 9 years | $-3,945 |
| 11 years | $-2,179 |
| 13 years | $-414 |
| 15 years | $1,351 |
| 17 years | $3,116 |
| 19 years | $4,881 |
| 21 years | $6,647 |
| 23 years | $8,412 |
| 25 years | $10,177 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 who want 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,550 per kilowatt in Washington. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Washington, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $8,733 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $11,929 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $15,269 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $18,751 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $22,376 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $26,144 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $30,054 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $34,107 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Washington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: When reading over 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 like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Washington, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Washington?
The average cost of solar panels in Washington is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Washington?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
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 the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $662.37 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.