Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, IA (2024 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $26,880
- 25-Year Savings: $31,242
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Washington.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Washington it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Washington, most homeowners require a 9.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $26,880, or $38,438 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Washington based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $20,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Washington, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,163 |
| 3 years | $-21,730 |
| 5 years | $-18,297 |
| 7 years | $-14,864 |
| 9 years | $-11,431 |
| 11 years | $-7,998 |
| 13 years | $-4,565 |
| 15 years | $-1,132 |
| 17 years | $2,301 |
| 19 years | $5,734 |
| 21 years | $9,167 |
| 23 years | $12,600 |
| 25 years | $16,033 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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
For many Washington homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends 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 a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require 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 $4,010.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Washington average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Washington offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Washington’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.17 | $17,516 | $13,693 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $18,707 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $23,945 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $29,407 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $35,094 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $41,006 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $47,142 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $53,503 | 12.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Washington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
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, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Washington?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Washington?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Washington, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact 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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.