Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, UT (2023 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $9,042
- 25-Year Savings: $13,169
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Washington.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Washington, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.68 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.8-kW system would cost about $9,042 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Washington homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Washington homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,154 |
| 3 years | $-6,377 |
| 5 years | $-4,600 |
| 7 years | $-2,823 |
| 9 years | $-1,046 |
| 11 years | $731 |
| 13 years | $2,508 |
| 15 years | $4,284 |
| 17 years | $6,061 |
| 19 years | $7,838 |
| 21 years | $9,615 |
| 23 years | $11,392 |
| 25 years | $13,169 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Washington can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Washington provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Washington, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.79 | $11,706 | $15,951 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $21,568 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $27,335 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $33,253 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $39,320 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $45,538 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $51,905 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $58,423 | 9.2 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Washington, UT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Washington?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Washington is currently $285,191, which means you could be looking at a value of about $11,693 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Washington is a rewarding investment.
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 requires 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 house 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.
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.