Washington solar panels: The complete guide in 2024
Data updated Nov 19, 2024
Interested in going solar? You'll need to install a 12.26 kW solar panel system to cover the average electric bill in Washington, which will cost you about $22,483 after the federal tax credit.
Cost for an average system in Washington
As long as your federal tax bill is high enough, you can take advantage of the federal investment tax credit (ITC).
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- Overview
- Solar cost
- Incentives
- Electricity cost
- Companies
Going solar in Washington
Washington State may not be the sunniest part of the world, but its solid net metering program makes it a great place to go solar.
Factor in the federal solar tax credit, and Washingtonians can cut the cost of solar by thousands of dollars, speeding up your payback period and increasing the value of your investment.
Here's what you should know about going solar in the Evergreen State.
Cost
How much do solar panels cost in Washington?
Solar panels will save you a lot of money over time, but the upfront costs aren't cheap. The average Washington homeowner needs a 12.26 kW solar panel system to cover their electricity needs, which comes out to $32,119 before incentives. Prices range from $27,301 to $36,937, but after the federal tax credit, that drops by 30%.
Over 27,000 Washington homeowners have used EnergySage to receive and compare quotes for solar installations. You can expect to earn back your initial solar investment through electricity savings in about 14.5 years, while most systems last at least 25 years. You'll often see this number referenced as your solar payback period.
There are a few ways to finance your solar panel system so you don't have to provide all that money upfront.
Cash purchase: You'll own the system and pay for it upfront. This provides the best long-term savings.
Solar loan: Allows you to retain ownership of your system, while owing little to no money upfront. Solar loans aren't all created equal: If you have access to subsidized clean energy loans through local incentive programs, that's usually your best bet. A home equity loan or a personal loan are often your next best options – private solar loans typically come with higher interest rates or upfront fees.
Solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA): A third-party company owns your system and either leases you the solar panels (solar lease) or allows you to purchase the electricity they generate (PPA). These generally provide the lowest savings and generate the most negative press about solar. If you choose this financing option, read the fine print: You can get trapped in them for longer than you'd like.
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Incentives
What are the best solar rebates and incentives in Washington?
Incentives help bring solar's price tag down considerably in Washington. Here are the major ones to know about:
Incentive | Average savings in Washington | Description |
|---|---|---|
Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit, formerly the federal investment tax credit (ITC) | $9,636 | Lowers your solar panel system's cost by 30% |
Washington solar sales tax exemption | 6.5% of your system’s cost | You don't need to pay any sales tax on new solar panel systems in Washington |
Is net metering available in Washington?
In some states, you'll earn bill credits from your utility company when your solar panel system generates excess electricity and sends it to the grid. This incentive is known as net metering—basically a solar buyback program—and makes it so you will owe very little, or even nothing, on your electric bills with solar panels.
Utility companies in Washington offer solid net metering programs. Under the current version, you can earn the retail rate of electricity on your excess solar generation—unless you’re a Grays Harbor utility customer. Bill credits reset on March 31 of each year; if you don’t use your banked credits by then, you’ll lose them.
Learn more about net metering in Washington or see program specifics below:
Equipment
Equipment quality
Each year, solar panels get more and more efficient—that is, they produce more power per square foot. As of 2024, the most popular solar panels can produce about 400 watts of electricity when they’re in full sunlight. If you want to make the most of your roof’s solar potential, get panels with at least that much power output.
You should also make sure to select a solar inverter setup that makes sense for your roof’s layout.
And if you want or need a solar battery, be sure to pick one that can integrate cleanly with that inverter.
Premium equipment can come with a high price tag, but it will often save you more money in the long run. The best equipment tends to have the best warranty terms, often guaranteed to 25 years (sometimes even 40!), so you’re covered in case you need repairs or replacements. The highest-quality panels also degrade more slowly, so they’ll maintain more of their power output further into the future.
Companies
Who are the best solar installers in Washington?
We pre-screen all of the solar companies on EnergySage to ensure they'll provide you with a high-quality installation. We then rate them based on their results, reputation, and responsiveness. Here are the highest-rated EnergySage installers in Washington:
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resources
Top solar resources for Washington
- Washington Solar Loan Providers
Search through our list of top loan providers to finance your solar panel system.
- Washington State Department of Commerce
Learn about WA energy programs from the state government.
- WA Utilities and Transportation Commission
Read more about how utility companies work in WA.
- Washington Electricity Profile (EIA)
Learn about WA energy production and prices.
- WA State Solar Factsheet (SEIA)
See quick stats about how much solar energy has grown in WA.
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