Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washington, WI (2024 Update)
- Washington Solar Installation Cost: $20,119
- 25-Year Savings: $23,160
- Payback Period: 13.7 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.The average solar panel system size in Washington is around 7.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,119 for a solar installation, or $28,770 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
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Solar savings over time in Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,014 |
| 3 years | $-16,806 |
| 5 years | $-14,597 |
| 7 years | $-12,389 |
| 9 years | $-10,180 |
| 11 years | $-7,972 |
| 13 years | $-5,763 |
| 15 years | $-3,555 |
| 17 years | $-1,346 |
| 19 years | $862 |
| 21 years | $3,071 |
| 23 years | $5,279 |
| 25 years | $7,488 |
Top Solar Installers in Washington
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Washington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Washington
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Washington: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Washington to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Washington’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.04 | $16,948 | $12,731 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $17,410 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $22,305 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $27,418 | 13.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $32,748 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $38,296 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $44,060 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $50,042 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Washington, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Washington, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Washington?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Washington have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.