Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, IN (2024 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $24,787
- 25-Year Savings: $22,630
- Payback Period: 16.0 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.Because a 8.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Washington, the average price of going solar will be about $24,787 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
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.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Washington can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installation company in Washington, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,461 |
| 3 years | $-20,810 |
| 5 years | $-18,159 |
| 7 years | $-15,507 |
| 9 years | $-12,856 |
| 11 years | $-10,205 |
| 13 years | $-7,554 |
| 15 years | $-4,903 |
| 17 years | $-2,251 |
| 19 years | $400 |
| 21 years | $3,051 |
| 23 years | $5,702 |
| 25 years | $8,354 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 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 determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system 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 largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,100 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, 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.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Washington, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has 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 | $4.26 | $17,909 | $9,069 | 16.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.18 | $23,419 | $12,551 | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.10 | $28,700 | $16,263 | 16.0 years |
| 12 kW | $4.02 | $33,751 | $20,204 | 15.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.94 | $38,573 | $24,375 | 15.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.85 | $43,165 | $28,775 | 15.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.77 | $47,527 | $33,405 | 14.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.69 | $51,660 | $38,265 | 14.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Washington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- 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 what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 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, IN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Washington?
The average cost of solar panels in Washington is about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Washington?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Washington is currently $133,798, so you can look forward to a value of about $5,486 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Washington is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.