Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, PA (2025 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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Washington it’s 4 per watt.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.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Washington depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the high initial cost, the average Washington homeowner can save around $13,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, 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
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Washington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Washington
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation 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 $3,550.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Washington homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact how much it costs. Washington’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Washington?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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 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 will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.