Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, NJ (2024 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $11,485
- 25-Year Savings: $12,112
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
We break down average solar pricing in Washington.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Washington typically cost around 4.The average solar panel system size in Washington is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,485 for a solar installation, or $16,424 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Washington homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Washington homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,987 |
| 3 years | $-6,990 |
| 5 years | $-3,994 |
| 7 years | $-998 |
| 9 years | $1,999 |
| 11 years | $4,995 |
| 13 years | $7,992 |
| 15 years | $10,988 |
| 17 years | $13,984 |
| 19 years | $16,981 |
| 21 years | $19,977 |
| 23 years | $22,973 |
| 25 years | $25,970 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Washington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Washington
The cost of installing a solar system in Washington can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
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 chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Washington, where sunlight is relatively 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Washington, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect how much you pay. Washington’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.67 | $15,419 | $11,850 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $16,195 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $20,739 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $25,479 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $30,418 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $35,554 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $40,888 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $46,419 | 12.2 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Washington, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Washington?
The average cost of solar panels in Washington is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
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 making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.