Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, WI (2025 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $20,119
- 25-Year Savings: $23,160
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Washington.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Washington, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Washington is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,119 for a solar installation, or $28,770 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Washington, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,014 |
| 3 years | $-16,806 |
| 5 years | $-14,597 |
| 7 years | $-12,389 |
| 9 years | $-10,180 |
| 11 years | $-7,972 |
| 13 years | $-5,763 |
| 15 years | $-3,555 |
| 17 years | $-1,346 |
| 19 years | $862 |
| 21 years | $3,071 |
| 23 years | $5,279 |
| 25 years | $7,488 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 primary factors that determine your overall cost in Washington: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly 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 chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,880 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Washington provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Washington, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better 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 names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.04 | $16,948 | $12,731 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,410 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $22,305 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $27,418 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $32,748 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $38,296 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $44,060 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $50,042 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
EcoWatch's Washington, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Washington?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than 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.
Does Washington have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 the average daily 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 get 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.