Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, PA (2024 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $16,556
- 25-Year Savings: $10,173
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
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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.
In Washington, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Washington is around 6.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,556 for a solar installation, or $23,675 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Washington homeowner can save about $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Washington, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,473 |
| 3 years | $-13,308 |
| 5 years | $-11,142 |
| 7 years | $-8,976 |
| 9 years | $-6,810 |
| 11 years | $-4,644 |
| 13 years | $-2,478 |
| 15 years | $-313 |
| 17 years | $1,853 |
| 19 years | $4,019 |
| 21 years | $6,185 |
| 23 years | $8,351 |
| 25 years | $10,516 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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
For many Washington homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy 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 a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.The 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Washington average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Washington have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Washington homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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 company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Washington, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $4,365 | 19.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $6,217 | 19.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $8,269 | 18.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $10,519 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $12,968 | 18.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $15,616 | 17.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $18,462 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $21,507 | 16.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Solar 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Washington?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other 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 cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Washington?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 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.