Find out if solar panels are right for your home in Washington.
Considering a switch to solar energy for your Washington home? You're in good company. We put together a comprehensive guide to help you make this big decision.
Overall, Washington State is rapidly becoming a solar powerhouse. Large-scale projects like the Adams Neilson Solar Farm, which generates enough energy to power 4,000 homes, and the upcoming Columbia Solar Project, is set to be one of the largest in the state.
But it's not just big corporations making the move; residential solar installations have seen significant growth year-over-year. With state incentives like the Solar Production Incentive and the Federal Solar Tax Credit, going solar has never been more appealing.
However, transitioning to solar is a big decision that involves various factors such as initial costs, the efficiency of your home, and even the angle of your roof. This article aims to be your comprehensive guide, covering everything from the basics to the nitty-gritty details, so you can make an informed decision and join Washington's clean energy revolution.
The average price for a home solar panel system in Washington is $19,500 for a 6kw system or about $3.25 per watt. Systems will vary depending on the solar installation company the types of solar panels you choose and the size of your system. When shopping for solar panels you should consider getting multiple quotes from various installers.
| Average Cost 6 kW System | Average Cost 10 kW System | Estimated Tax Credit (10 kW System) | Average Cost/Watt | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S.Average | $18,771 | $31,285 | $9,385.50 | $3.13 |
| Washington | $17,400 | $29,000 | $8,700 | $2.90 |
| U.S.Average | $18,771 | $31,285 | $9,385.50 | $3.13 |
| Most Costly State(Michigan) | $22,680 | $37,800 | $11,340 | $3.78 |
| Least Costly State(Arizona) | $14,640 | $24,400 | $7,320 | $2.44 |
For most, the ideal solar system size is the sweet spot between price and capacity. The goal is to generate enough electricity to cover your home's demand while keeping overall costs low as possible.
I.E. Get the best bang for your buck.
| System Size | System Cost | Cost After Federal Tax Credit |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $14,500 | $8,785 |
| 6 kW | $17,400 | $10,542 |
| 7 kW | $20,300 | $12,299 |
| 8 kW | $23,200 | $14,056 |
| 10 kW | $29,000 | $17,570 |
Unfortunately, nothing is perfect - including solar. To avoid buyer's remorse, you should think about all the pros and cons associated with installing solar equipment on your home. Then weigh them against each other to decide if it makes sense for you.
Everyone has their own opinion on how to interpret and weigh the pros and cons against each other. Our goal is to present the most common pros and cons and let you make your own choice.
Weather in Washington is probably the biggest factor when considering solar. Western Washington is significantly cloudier than Eastern Washington. Which is why Washington ranks 34th in the national solar ranking. While it’s not the best, there are still some things to consider.
Let’s consider the financials. The average life expectancy of solar panels is 20 to 25 years. And even after that they often can still produce power, just not as efficiently. Solar panel technology is also becoming better at producing power during less sunny days. With that in mind, the average payback ranges from 8 to 12 years, depending on where you live and your house conditions. You’ll also have to consider roof structural strength, orientation, and angle.
Washington also offers various state incentives including net metering and community solar programs. These advantages make a compelling case for solar adoption, especially when you consider the positive environmental impact and the potential to increase your home's value.
If you are on the fence you can use this tool to get an accurate cost breakdown for your home based on your historical energy usage.
There are several ways you can purchase and/or finance your solar panel installation in Washington. Your goals and financial situation will dictate which option is best for you.
The most straightforward option. You pay upfront for the entire cost of the rooftop solar system. No interest, and fewer headaches, but many people are hesitant about spending several tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket.
The most common method for buying solar systems. Like many other types of large purchases, you can finance your solar system through a bank or solar loan provider.
This sounds great, and many other solar loan salespeople will leverage the low payment to justify the costs. You will likely hear something like "You pay $250 a month on your electric bill, with a solar loan you will pay $200 and have free electricity."
Do your due diligence before you sign on the dotted line. There are many horror stories of variable loan terms, ballooning interest rates, and harsh missed payment penalties.
Leasing solar panels generally involves less money out of pocket upfront. But, it's important to note - you do not own your solar energy system. You essentially renting the solar system. A solar provider will install the equipment and charge you a fixed monthly fee.
Most solar lease contracts last for a couple of decades, during which time the provider will keep an eye on the system's hardware and performance. At the end of your lease, you can choose to:
Solar leases can be complicated. Not all are bad, but in many cases the lease terms in not in favor of the buyer. Before you decide on a solar lease make sure to read your contract thoroughly. If you don't understand something, ask an expert.
A power purchase agreement (PPA) is a financial agreement where a solar company will design and install a solar system on your home or business with little or no cost upfront. Instead of paying a monthly fee like a lease, the agreement includes a fixed price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity generated.
For example, you agree to pay $0.12 per kWh of electricity generated for the next 20 years. The solar company will install and maintain your system and sell the power back to you that you use. They may also collect payment for any additional energy they put back into the grid.
Just like a lease, you do not own the panels. When the contract is up, they will either be removed or your contract may have other terms for you to buy or renew your power purchase agreement.
Power purchase agreements can be complicated. Before you sign make sure you review the contract and if possible have an expert in power purchase agreements review the details.
Don’t forget about Solar Incentives! While there is the Federal 30% Tax Credit that came from the Inflation Reduction Act, there may be others that are statewide or local.
Check to see if you are eligible for solar incentives, they could significantly reduce the cost of solar panel installation. While some incentives are statewide, others are more local. Your city, utility, or other local company could offer hundreds or thousands of dollars in incentives to install solar systems.
This table shows the available incentives in Washington. But hey, this isn't the end-all-be-all list. Check with your local utility for other potential incentives.
| Name | State | Category | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar Easements & Rights Laws | WA | Regulatory Policy | Solar/Wind Access Policy |
| Net Metering | WA | Regulatory Policy | Net Metering |
| Grays Harbor PUD - Solar Water Heater Rebate | WA | Financial Incentive | Rebate Program |
| Fuel Mix and Emissions Disclosure | WA | Regulatory Policy | Generation Disclosure |
| Klickitat PUD - Solar PV Rebate | WA | Financial Incentive | Rebate Program |
| Klickitat PUD - Solar PV Loan Program | WA | Financial Incentive | Loan Program |
| Grays Harbor PUD - Net Metering | WA | Regulatory Policy | Net Metering |
| Plug and Play Off-Grid PV Buydown | WA | Financial Incentive | Rebate Program |
| High Technology Product Manufacturers Excise Tax Exemption | WA | Financial Incentive | Industry Recruitment/Support |
| Ferry County PUD #1 - Off-Grid Solar PV Financial Assistance | WA | Financial Incentive | Loan Program |
There are hundreds of solar companies in Washington. From solar installers to solar loan providers, and manufacturers. Each is a piece of the puzzle to help you get outfitted with solar panels.
To make things simple, EnergyBot works directly with 3 of the largest solar companies to give you a comprehensive view of the market.
The solar companies we partner with:
We believe comparing these three names in the solar industry will give you the info you need to decide if solar panels are right for you.
Just because solar is a popular discussion right now, doesn’t mean it makes sense for everyone. It is still a large and expensive decision. Installing solar has great financial and environmental benefits but it won’t feel beneficial if you run into issues. Along with studying a 20-year cost comparison for your home, read some more tips to keep in mind when mulling over your decision on your installer, system design, and financial plan.
Washington and Oregon are utilizing interactive mapping tools to identify the best locations for solar farm development. Their aim is to be proactive in their planning by involving the community early. Their hope is this will both minimize conflicts with local communities, farmers, and wildlife, and help projects get built more quickly.
The mapping tools are helping developers pinpoint the best locations. This approach not only speeds up the transition to renewable energy but also takes into consideration the long-term impacts on various stakeholders.
It is important to note that while these mapping tools are a valuable resource, they still don’t solve everything. They currently lack information on culturally sensitive areas and tribal lands. Additional on-the-ground surveys and community engagement are still necessary.
Despite these limitations, the mapping initiative is a significant first step in creating a more streamlined and conflict-free process for solar development, ultimately contributing to the states' carbon-free electricity goals. Maybe more states will follow Washington’s lead.
We have helped thousands of customers find electricity plans for their home or business. And we are pretty darn good at it, with over 1,000 5-Star reviews we know how to help you stay powered up.
Now using the same one-of-kind technology and platform we are helping consumers in Washington decide if solar is right for them. You will notice that sometimes our numbers make solar look less attractive. That's not by accident. We believe you should have full transparency during the solar purchasing process.
We aren't here to sell you something. We are here to help you make the best energy decision for your home or business.
The cost of solar panel installation in Washington can vary significantly based on a number of factors, including the size and type of the system, the complexity of the installation, your solar installer, and the specific location. However, the average cost of solar panels in the U.S. was about $3.13 per watt, before any incentives or tax credits.
A typical residential solar system is usually around 8 kilowatts (8,000 watts), but varies based on energy use and the size of the house. The US average cost for a 6 kW system is $18,771 and the US average cost for a 10 kW system is $31,285, before incentives. The average price for a home solar panel system in Washington is $19,500 for a 6kW system or about or about $3.25 per watt.
The number of solar panels you would need depends on a variety of factors such as:
To give you a rough estimate, let's say you live in a location that receives about 5 hours of peak sunlight per day, your solar panels have an efficiency of 20%, and each panel has a power rating of 300 watts. If your home uses about 10,400 kWh per year, you would divide this by 365 to get your daily energy use (about 28.5 kWh). You would then divide this by the hours of peak sunlight (5 hours), to get your required power output per hour (about 5.7 kW). If each solar panel produces 300 watts (or 0.3 kW), you would divide 5.7 kW by 0.3 to get the number of solar panels you need, which would be about 19 panels.
The installation process for solar panels can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the size of the system and the complexity of the installation.
Your installer should be able to give you an estimated timeline based on your specific project.
One of the great perks of solar panels is their low maintenance. However, to ensure they keep producing clean, green power, a few key maintenance steps are recommended.
Another benefit of solar panels is their longevity. Most come with a 25 to 30-year performance warranty which spans their Effected Useful Life (EUL). While the EUL is supposed to give you an estimate of how long the equipment will last, solar panels often continue to produce power long past this timeframe, just not as effectively as they used to. However, with anything, it's crucial to delve into the fine print to understand precisely what's covered.
The inverter is a critical component that converts direct current (DC) from your panels into alternating current (AC) for your home. Inside the inverter are electro-magnetic parts that move quickly and often. Because they have these moving parts, inverters have a shorter lifespan than the panels themselves. Know ahead of time that you will have to replace the inverters at least once during the lifespan of your panels. This should be factored into your long-term cost considerations.
Great question! Some homeowner's insurance policies may cover solar panels, but it's wise to double-check. You might need to add a separate rider or explore different insurance providers to ensure everything is adequately protected.
While solar panels seem straightforward with no moving parts, taking on a DIY installation might not be the best choice for most homeowners. The primary challenges lie in the intricate electrical work. Mistakes can not only damage the expensive system but also pose safety risks, especially if you're not an electrician. Before attempting a DIY project, consider getting a professional quote. You might be surprised to discover that labor costs are a relatively small part of the overall expense.
When it comes to selecting the right solar panels for your home, you'll typically encounter two main types: Monocrystalline and Polycrystalline. Each has its pros and cons, making the choice a bit of a balancing act.
Keep in mind that due to the efficiency difference, you may need a few more poly-panels to match the output of mono-panels. Additionally, various factors such as your roof's weight capacity, area, angle, orientation, and budget should influence your decision. To make an informed choice, it's best to consult a professional solar installer who can assess these factors and provide a tailored recommendation for your specific situation.
Instead of making a blind choice, consult with a solar installer who can assess various factors like your budget, location, and energy requirements. They can provide a tailored recommendation, ensuring you get the most efficient panels for your specific situation.
