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Key Points
Switching to solar in Washington can reduce your utility costs and lower your carbon footprint.
The average cost of solar panels in Washington is $3.59 per watt, with an average size of 9 kW and a total average cost of about $32,330.
You may qualify for solar tax credits and incentives, which could save you thousands on your solar installation.
Solar power in Washington
Like its Pacific Northwest neighbors, Washington is an up-and-coming state in terms of solar energy adoption. At the moment, the Emerald State has enough solar panels installed to power over 60,000 homes, with more installations planned.
If you live in Washington, solar could be a good investment for your home. Installing residential solar panels helps you save on electricity costs, increase energy independence, and reduce your environmental impact. Keep reading to learn about installing solar panels in Washington, including the approximate costs, benefits, incentives, and ways SaveOnEnergy.com® can help.
Ready to go solar? Call 866-420-6556to be connected with a solar expert today!
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Washington solar panel cost
The cost of solar panels in Washington depends on a few key factors, such as how many solar panels you choose, the type and efficiency of your panels, and local permitting costs. According to Find Energy, the average price per watt for a Washington solar panel system is $3.59, with an average system size of 9 kilowatts (kW), resulting in a system cost of about $32,330.
That price may seem high, but you can experience significant savings when you apply tax credits and incentives on your solar panel installation in Washington.
System
size
Total cost
Number of
solar panels*
Washington
9 kW
$32,330
23–30
U.S.
8.6 kW
$31,558
22–29
How does Washington solar save you money?
Switching to solar in Washington can help you experience long-term energy savings. As an example, let’s say that you buy an average-priced solar system and then take advantage of the federal tax credit to save 30%, bringing your solar installation cost to about $22,600. By going solar, you could also greatly reduce or even eliminate your monthly electricity bill. When you factor in all of these costs and savings, the average payback period for Washington homeowners on their solar panels is 17 years.
System
size
Estimated price
in Washington
Number of
solar panels*
5 kW
$17,950
13–17
6 kW
$21,540
15–20
7 kW
$25,130
18–23
8 kW
$28,720
20–27
9 kW
$32,310
23–30
*Estimated panel count is based on the average panel size ranging from 300 to 400 watts.
The best Washington solar panel incentives or rebates
There are several incentive programs available to help offset the expense of buying and installing solar panels in Washington.
Currently, the most notable incentive is the Residential Clean Energy Credit. It is a 30% federal tax credit offered to Americans who install solar panels on their primary or secondary residences until 2032. Homes, houseboats, RVs, and rental properties may all qualify as long as you live there for at least some of the year, and there’s no maximum on the amount you can claim. The credit is set to decrease incrementally after 2033.
Consumers who purchase and install a solar panel system are exempt from paying sales tax on the system in Washington. This credit will expire at the start of 2030.
Net metering programs are available across the state. They allow solar owners to sell their surplus electricity back to the power grid in exchange for credits that they can use during times of lower solar production.
This program offers grants to schools, higher education institutions, local governments, and state agencies that install solar systems.
Solar incentives in Seattle
If you live in Seattle, you can get electric bill credits for the power that you generate with your solar system, thanks to the City Light Solar Programs. Some of the requirements you’ll need to meet include:
Obtaining permits and approvals for a solar system
Installing, operating, and maintaining the system in accordance with all relevant laws
Adding a meter (owned by City Light) to your system
Solar incentives in Spokane
There are also some solar incentives in Spokane, Washington’s second-biggest city. For example, Avista Utilities has a net metering program for systems under 100 kW. Here’s an overview of the approval process:
Submit an interconnection application process to Avista.
Avista will confirm that they’ve received your application within five business days.
If you’re approved, you should hear back within 20 business days.
If not, Avista will reach out to suggest modifications to your system.
Why choose Washington solar power?
Whether you’re interested in saving money or protecting the planet, there are plenty of reasons to choose solar panels in Washington. Here are three reasons why now is a good time to invest in solar power in Washington.
Lower energy costs
Producing your household’s power from solar panels is a great way to reduce your monthly energy costs. With home solar, you don’t have to rely on electricity from the public grid. Instead, you can power your home with the solar energy your panels generate. In the end, using solar can save you more than $100 per month, depending on the amount of energy you typically use and the electricity rates in your area. Electricity rates across the country have risen recently due to seasonality and the rising cost of power sources like natural gas. You can keep your energy costs low by investing in home solar.
Increase energy independence
With solar panels, you don’t have to rely on the public electricity grid to power your home — which helps you take a big step toward energy independence. Because of this, you won’t have to worry about losing electricity or paying high energy rates when there’s extreme demand on the grid. Most customers who go solar choose to remain connected to the power grid in order to draw electricity at night or when it’s cloudy. However, off-grid solar is legal in Washington. If you decide to disconnect from the grid and store energy in solar batteries, you can gain even more energy independence.
Go green
If you’re hoping to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, solar panels are a great option. Solar is a renewable power source that doesn’t emit harmful greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. By powering your home with solar energy in Washington, you can greatly reduce your environmental footprint.
Should I buy or lease my solar panels?
After making the decision to go solar, you’ll need to determine whether you want to buy or lease your solar panels. There are good arguments for each option, but if you’re looking for the most long-term financial benefits, you’ll want to purchase your panels outright.
Payment method
Benefits
Drawbacks
Cash purchase
Saves more money over time, allows you to apply for the federal tax credit, increases home’s resale value, lower utility costs
More expensive upfront costs
Solar loan
Fewer upfront costs, includes panel ownership, lower energy costs
Lets you share solar with other households, don’t have to maintain panels
No ownership of panels, no eligibility for tax credit
Washington solar panel companies
As Washington’s solar industry continues to grow, residents can choose from several reputable solar panel companies. Before you decide, it’s a good idea to get familiar with how solar works. When you’re ready to make the switch, SaveOnEnergy can help you find a Washington solar panel company. We are an unaffiliated energy marketplace that partners with top-tier solar companies offering customized solar options. For more information about solar in Washington, fill out this form or call the number on this page.
Solar installer
Year founded
Financing options
Warranty terms
2020
Cash purchase, solar loan, lease, or PPA
25-year manufacturer warranty and 10-year quality-of-work guarantee
2007
Cash purchase, solar loan, or lease
10-year quality warranty; customers who lease their systems receive coverage on maintenance and monitoring
What to look for in a solar contractor
As you shop around for a solar contractor, there are a few key factors to look for. First, the company should have the proper licenses and certifications for solar installation. They should also offer high-quality products from reputable manufacturers, with warranties on the performance of the solar panels and the quality of their work. Trusted solar contractors should offer multiple financing options, as well, giving you the ability to choose the one that’s best for you.
Beware of free solar panels in Washington scam
Unfortunately, scammers have started to take advantage of solar energy’s popularity. If you see an offer advertising “free” solar panels, it may be an attempt to steal your personal information. Some solar installation companies may also use this type of misleading language to talk you into a disadvantageous contract. In either case, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is — and you should be cautious.
Important solar installation factors to consider
Solar can be a worthwhile investment that can provide short-term and long-term savings. However, there are some important factors to consider before you sign up:
State and angle of your roof: The Department of Energy says that solar panels work best on south-facing roofs with slopes between 15 and 40 degrees. Your roof should also be in good condition and not need to be replaced soon.
Sunshine levels in your area: Similarly, solar panels generate the most energy when they receive a large amount of sunshine. If you live in an especially cloudy region, solar panels might not be a good option.
Homeowners’ association (HOA) rules: According to Washington’s solar rights law, HOAs can’t prevent a homeowner from installing a solar system on their property – as long as it meets certain conditions. Check with your HOA to find out its specific rules.
With an average cost of $3.59 per watt, an average-sized solar system (including the panels and other key components, like the inverter) would come out to $32,332. You can use the federal tax credit and Washington solar incentives (such as net metering) to offset part of the cost of solar panels in Washington. If you purchase any extras — like a solar generator or batteries — you’ll increase your costs. If you’re on a tight budget, you might consider portable solar panels instead of a whole-home system.
Under the right circumstances, solar can be a smart investment in Washington. How much you’ll save will depend on factors like how much electricity you use, the weather conditions at your home, and available incentives in your area.
In Washington, the average monthly electricity bill is $110.31. By switching to solar, you could eliminate this monthly expense, which would save you more than $1,300 per year. Plus, if you participate in net metering, you could earn credits back on your bills.
Solar is a renewable resource that doesn’t release carbon dioxide when produced (unlike traditional fossil fuels). When you move to solar, you’ll reduce how much carbon your home releases into the environment, helping you lead a cleaner and greener lifestyle.
Although there are more solar panel installers entering the market, finding one that you trust doesn’t have to be difficult. SaveOnEnergy can help you find a good installer with high-quality solar products who will oversee everything from permitting to requesting permission to operate (PTO) to installation. Fill out the form on this page or call the number on this page to discuss Washington solar installers with an energy expert.
