As the world increasingly turns to renewable energy sources, solar power has emerged as a leading contender in the fight against climate change. In recent years, Washington state has made significant strides in embracing solar energy, with nearly 300MW of solar installations in 2022 alone. Despite the state‘s notorious weather, Washingtonians are beginning to recognize the potential benefits of solar panels for their homes. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the costs, savings, and rebates associated with going solar in the Evergreen State.
The Current State of Solar Energy in Washington
Washington‘s solar energy landscape has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the state currently ranks 37th in the nation for solar installations, with enough solar capacity to power over 60,000 homes. This growth can be attributed to the state government‘s efforts to support renewable energy, including the implementation of the Clean Energy Transformation Act, which aims to achieve 100% clean electricity by 2045.
As more Washingtonians consider making the switch to solar, it‘s essential to understand the costs and potential savings involved. While the upfront investment may seem daunting, there are numerous incentives and long-term benefits that can make solar panels a worthwhile investment for homeowners.
The Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
One of the primary concerns for homeowners considering solar panels is the initial cost. In Washington, the average cost of solar panels is around $2.77 per watt, making it one of the highest rates in the country. For a standard 6kW system, homeowners should expect to invest approximately $16,620 before incentives.
At first glance, this may seem like a substantial investment, especially when compared to the state‘s relatively low traditional electricity costs. Washingtonians pay an average of 10.4 cents per kW, the lowest rate in the United States. However, it‘s essential to consider the long-term savings and environmental benefits of going solar.
To help offset the initial cost, homeowners can take advantage of the federal solar tax credit. This program offers a 30% tax credit on all purchases made toward a home solar array, including labor and equipment. By utilizing this incentive, Washingtonians installing a 6kW system could reduce the total cost from $16,620 to $11,634.
Determining the Right Size Solar Panel System for Your Home
When considering solar panels for your home, it‘s crucial to determine the appropriate system size based on your energy needs and location. To calculate the ideal wattage, divide your daily energy usage by the amount of sunlight your area receives.
For example, the average Washington household uses about 32.3kWh of electricity per day (or 969kWh per month). With an average peak sun hours of 3.57, a solar panel system would need to produce approximately 9.0kW per hour to meet the average household‘s energy demands. This means that homeowners may need to invest in a larger system, potentially costing up to $25,060 before incentives.
To get a more accurate estimate for your specific location, consult a Washington sun chart to find the average peak sun hours for your nearest city.
Factors Affecting Solar Panel Costs in Washington
Several factors can influence the cost of solar panels in Washington, including:
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Location: Washington‘s diverse landscape means that some areas receive more sunlight than others. For example, Yakima, located on the east side of the Cascades, receives around 4.8 hours of direct sunlight per day, which can significantly reduce the cost of a solar panel system compared to other parts of the state.
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Equipment type: The type of solar panels you choose can also impact the overall cost. Monocrystalline panels are more efficient and better suited for areas with limited space or sunlight, while polycrystalline panels are more affordable and can be a good choice for homes with ample sunlight exposure.
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Installation quality: Investing in a reputable and experienced solar installer is essential for ensuring the longevity and efficiency of your system. While some companies may offer lower prices, they may use less efficient equipment or provide weaker warranties. With over 60 solar installation companies in Washington, homeowners have the opportunity to find the right installer for their needs and budget.
Top Solar Installers in Washington
When selecting a solar installer, it‘s important to consider factors such as industry experience, transparency, certifications, equipment quality, and warranty coverage. Two of the top solar installation companies in Washington are:
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Blossom Solar: Based in Everett, Blossom Solar has been serving Washingtonians for the past six years. Their in-house team of NABCEP-certified technicians has extensive knowledge of the unique challenges faced by homeowners in the Evergreen State. Blossom Solar backs their work with a 10-year workmanship warranty.
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Smart Solar Energy: Although based in Portland, this family-owned company has been serving both Oregon and Washington for nearly 30 years. Their long-standing experience in the industry ensures that they will be available to maintain and service your system for years to come. Smart Solar Energy offers one of the best warranties among installation companies, covering their work for 25 years.
The Savings Potential of Solar Panels in Washington
While the high upfront costs and relatively low electricity rates in Washington may make solar panels seem less attractive compared to other states, homeowners can still achieve significant savings over the long term.
To determine the potential savings, first calculate the payback period for your solar panel system. Using the average annual electricity bill in Washington ($1,209.36) as an offset for a 6kW array, homeowners could expect to pay off their system in approximately 13.7 years. While this is longer than the payback period in many other states, homeowners with larger systems may take even longer to break even.
Once the system is paid off, any electricity generated by the solar panels translates to net savings on utility bills. With solar panels typically lasting 20-25 years, Washingtonians could save between $7,619 and $13,665 over the lifetime of their system.
Solar Incentives and Rebates in Washington
In addition to the long-term savings on electricity bills, homeowners in Washington can take advantage of various incentives and rebates to further reduce the cost of going solar. Some of these include:
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Federal Solar Tax Credit: As mentioned earlier, the federal government offers a 30% tax credit on solar panel installations, which can save homeowners thousands of dollars on their initial investment.
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Net Metering: Washington‘s net metering laws allow homeowners to sell excess electricity generated by their solar panels back to the grid, earning credits that can be applied to future utility bills.
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Sales and Use Tax Exemption: Solar panel installations in Washington are exempt from sales and use taxes, which can help reduce the overall cost of going solar.
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Utility-Specific Incentives: Some utility companies in Washington offer additional incentives for solar panel installations, such as grants or rebates.
For a more detailed look at the available solar incentives in Washington, consult our in-depth program guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is solar worth it in Washington?
A: While solar panels in Washington may not be as cost-effective as in other states due to high equipment prices, low electricity rates, and less abundant sunlight, homeowners can still save nearly $14,000 on electricity costs over 25 years by installing a 6kW system.
Q: How much does solar cost in Washington?
A: On average, Washingtonians can expect to pay around $2.77 per watt for solar panels, which equates to approximately $16,620 for a 6kW system before incentives. The total cost can vary based on factors such as system size, location, equipment type, installation quality, and available incentives.
Q: How long does it take for solar panels to pay for themselves in Washington?
A: Considering the average annual electricity bill in Washington ($1,209.36), homeowners can expect to pay off a 6kW system in about 13.7 years. This payback period is longer than in most states, and larger systems may take even more time to break even.
Q: Can you get a federal tax credit for solar panels in Washington?
A: Yes, homeowners in Washington can claim the federal solar tax credit, which offers a 30% credit on solar panel installations in the form of an income tax return. For a 6kW system, this credit could save homeowners around $5,000 on their initial investment.
Conclusion
While the decision to install solar panels in Washington may not be as clear-cut as in other states, the long-term benefits and potential savings make it a worthwhile consideration for environmentally conscious homeowners. By carefully evaluating your energy needs, researching top solar installers, and taking advantage of available incentives and rebates, you can make an informed decision about harnessing the power of the sun in the Evergreen State.
As Washington continues to prioritize renewable energy and support the growth of solar power, more homeowners are likely to embrace this clean, sustainable energy source. By making the switch to solar, you can not only reduce your carbon footprint but also contribute to a brighter, greener future for generations to come.
