Cost of Solar Panels in Washington (2026)

How much do solar panels cost in Washington?

Before considering any incentives, a typical solar panel system costs between $13,370 and $26,740 in Washington.

Prices in Seattle are comparable, ranging from $13,768 to $27,536. It costs between $14,951 and $29,901 to go solar in Spokane.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Washington

NOTE: The estimated costs above do not include the price of a solar storage battery. Adding a battery can double your total system costs.

Are solar panels worth it in Washington?

Going solar is worth it in Washington for the long-term savings on utility bills. Over 25 years, residents with solar panels avoid $33,367 in utility costs on average.

Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

• Financial savings: Happy solar customers in Washington have consistently lower electric bills. One resident, Randy in Vancouver, told us his monthly utility bill went from nearly $300 to just $12.
• Environmental benefits: The eco-friendly aspects outweigh the financials for some. “In part, our decision was based on reducing the impact our all-electric home imposes on the environment,” Richard in Lakebay told us. “Since the power we draw from the grid is virtually all derived from hydroelectric sources, the reduced load we put on the grid is more modest than if our utility relied on fossil fuels.”
• Energy independence: For Theresa in Woodinville, solar provides peace of mind by maintaining power during outages. “Two falls ago, we had five power outages in the four months. We’ve had two windstorms since and there have been two power outages. The only way I can tell there’s been power out is when I see the stove light blinking,” she said.

Regional solar considerations in Washington

Whether going solar is worth it also depends on where you live in Washington. The state averages 2.5 to 5 peak sun hours daily. Lots of shading — like buildings or tall trees above your roof — will make your solar system less efficient. Since solar panels generate more power with more sunlight, this can affect the financial returns on your investment.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) PVWatts Calculator is a good resource to see how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

Solar panel installation cost factors in Washington

How much you pay to go solar largely depends on the size of your system, the equipment you want and the condition of your roof. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

Size of your system

A typical Washington household needs about a 7.1 kW system, which costs $18,957 on average. Depending on your energy needs, you might need a smaller or larger system.

How to estimate what system size you need: First, look at your electric bill. It should say how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used last year. Then, divide that number by 1,200 to estimate your system size in kilowatts (kW).

For example, if you used 12,000 kWh of electricity last year, you would need a 10-kW system. If you used 10,800 kWh, you would need a 9-kW system.

Pro tip

Upgrade old appliances with more eco-friendly ones before you go solar. If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, which makes the entire system more cost-effective.

» WATT’S THE DIFFERENCE? kW vs. kWh

Solar equipment

The equipment — panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall solar costs (approximately 25% to 50%).

• Solar panels: Prices vary by efficiency rating. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best value. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline.
• Solar batteries: Solar battery costs generally range from $7,000 to $18,000. Batteries store any excess energy your panels produce during the day, allowing you to keep your lights on at night. Without a battery, that unused clean energy goes to the power grid, and you’ll still depend on utility power after dark.
• Solar inverters: Inverters convert solar power from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter costs typically range from $1,000 to $3,000.
• Monitoring system: Some companies include a solar monitoring system to track energy production and identify potential issues. If not, you can buy a standalone system for $80 to $400.

Condition of your roof

High-quality solar panels last 25 to 30 years, and your roof needs to last just as long.

ConsumerAffairs often hears from customers who were blindsided by expensive roof repairs discovered after their solar panels were already installed. This is a frustrating and expensive process — avoid it if you can.

To ensure a seamless and cost-effective installation, your roof must match the system's longevity. Get your roof inspected, fixed or replaced before you go solar.

Labor costs

Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your solar system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30% of total costs. Solar equipment costs are going down, but labor costs are still relatively high in some parts of the state.

You might be tempted to install the system yourself. DIY solar panels are cheaper, but there are potential issues: Incorrectly installed solar panels can cause roof leaks, electrical safety risks and other dangerous problems.

Local permits and fees

Permits and interconnection fees, though relatively cheap, are worth mentioning. Permit fees typically range from $50 to a few hundred dollars, while interconnection application fees vary by utility company. These costs should be factored into the overall solar installation budget.

“In Washington, the fire marshal and county building inspector must complete their inspection,” according to Arnold in Spokane. Fees for this vary depending on the size of your system and whether you’re installing solar panels as part of a new construction or putting them on an existing house.

Pro tip

If you have an electric car, ask about EV charger options. Homeowners in more rural parts of Washington should also consider critter guards to protect the panels.

» RELATED: How many solar panels do you need for your house?

How to compare solar quotes

Most installers set the price according to the system’s wattage. Similar to “cost per square foot” when buying a house, “cost per watt” lets you compare the relative value of solar panel systems. It shows you the per-dollar price of your system’s energy production potential.

Solar prices in Washington have decreased 42% over the last decade.

Get quotes from at least three to four different solar companies in Washington. Make sure the estimated price includes all the equipment you want, labor, permits and grid hookup. Watch for hidden fees for system monitoring or maintenance service charges.

According to our latest research, the average cost per watt is $2.67 in Washington.

Cost per watt and total solar panel system costs in Washington

How can I pay for solar panels in Washington?

Financing and leasing options make solar more affordable for Washington homeowners. In an ideal scenario, your solar power system generates enough extra power to cancel out your monthly payment.

• Solar loan: A solar loan works like any other home improvement loan. There's an application and approval process. You pay it back over time (with interest) each month.
• Solar lease: Leasing solar panels lets you set up a system without high upfront costs. A solar company installs and maintains the panels on your property, and you pay a monthly fee to use them.
• Power purchase agreement: Similar to leasing, a power purchase agreement (PPA) lets you buy power from a third-party company that owns and installs solar panels on your property.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Solar incentives in Washington

Washington solar incentives include a statewide sales tax exemption on solar equipment, labor and services used to generate electricity from solar. There’s also net metering, which means you can sell extra electricity that your panels generate to your local power grid. In Washington, the payment comes as a credit on your electricity bill that rolls over each month until March 31 each year.

The federal solar tax credit is set to expire at the end of 2025, much earlier than previously scheduled. This means you have until Dec. 31, 2025, to install and pay for a system to qualify for the 30% credit.

In addition to government incentives, you might be able to save money through manufacturers’ rebates.

Compare solar companies in Washington

We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in Washington.

FAQ

Bottom line

Home solar system costs typically range from $10,000 to $30,000 or higher, depending on factors such as system size, local labor rates and available incentives.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the costs of going solar in Washington and other states.

Solar costs vs. savings: Washington and nearby states