Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, WI (2023 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $13,486
- 25-Year Savings: $23,155
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Washington.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Washington it's 2.6 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Washington, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $13,486, or $19,285 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Washington homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,021 |
| 3 years | $-9,089 |
| 5 years | $-6,158 |
| 7 years | $-3,227 |
| 9 years | $-295 |
| 11 years | $2,636 |
| 13 years | $5,567 |
| 15 years | $8,499 |
| 17 years | $11,430 |
| 19 years | $14,361 |
| 21 years | $17,293 |
| 23 years | $20,224 |
| 25 years | $23,155 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Washington:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
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 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 numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is 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 searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Washington have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Washington is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $2.70 | $11,357 | $18,322 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $24,721 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $31,265 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $37,955 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $44,791 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $51,772 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $58,898 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $66,170 | 8.3 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 models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Washington, WI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Washington?
The average cost of solar panels in Washington is about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Washington?
A solar panel system isn't free in Washington, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Washington, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.