Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, GA (2024 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $17,306
- 25-Year Savings: $26,108
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
We go over average solar pricing in Washington.
In Washington, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Washington homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,306 with the federal tax credit, or $24,748 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Washington homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,713 |
| 3 years | $-12,526 |
| 5 years | $-9,340 |
| 7 years | $-6,153 |
| 9 years | $-2,967 |
| 11 years | $220 |
| 13 years | $3,406 |
| 15 years | $6,593 |
| 17 years | $9,779 |
| 19 years | $12,966 |
| 21 years | $16,152 |
| 23 years | $19,339 |
| 25 years | $22,525 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another benefit of going with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer 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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Washington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Washington
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Washington is $17,306, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Washington, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Washington homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Washington is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Washington have more knowledge 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 end up saving you 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 | $3.89 | $16,336 | $18,071 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $24,513 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $31,165 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $38,026 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $45,097 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $52,378 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $59,867 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $67,566 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Washington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Washington, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Washington?
The average cost of solar panels in Washington is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Washington?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Washington. However, you may still be able to get 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 some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.