Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, DC (2024 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $20,713
- 25-Year Savings: $8,662
- Payback Period: 19.1 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.
In Washington, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Washington, most homeowners require a 8.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,713, or $29,620 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $12,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Washington find going solar can pay off big.
For a personalized 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 | $-19,714 |
| 3 years | $-17,717 |
| 5 years | $-15,720 |
| 7 years | $-13,723 |
| 9 years | $-11,726 |
| 11 years | $-9,729 |
| 13 years | $-7,732 |
| 15 years | $-5,735 |
| 17 years | $-3,737 |
| 19 years | $-1,740 |
| 21 years | $257 |
| 23 years | $2,254 |
| 25 years | $4,251 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Washington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Washington
There are several criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,540.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Washington, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Washington homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Washington, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Washington are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.68 | $15,463 | $4,027 | 19.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $5,766 | 19.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $7,703 | 19.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $9,838 | 18.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $12,171 | 18.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $14,703 | 17.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $17,433 | 17.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $20,361 | 17.2 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 models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Washington, DC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Washington?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Washington?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Washington. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Washington?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.