WASHINGTON SOLAR PANEL COST
Breakdown
So What is the cost of solar panels in Washington state?
Despite the cloudy weather, solar power is increasingly becoming more popular with homeowners in the Washington. These homeowners are becoming more environmentally friendly while saving money on their utility bills, locking in their electricity rates, and increasing their property values.

The Cost Of Electricity Has Increased by 20%

The Cost Of Solar Has Dropped By More Than 55%

Solar Boosts Property Resale Value
Zillow’s findings reflect similar studies published by the Lawrence Berkeley National Renewable Energy Laboratory, which drew on a sample of 23,000 homes across the country.
Understanding Property Resale Value

What About The Clouds?
Germany leads the world in solar power production, yet it’s slightly cloudier than places like Vancouver, Olympia, and Seattle on an annual basis. Much like Germany, Washington benefits from long summer days with mild temperatures — ideal conditions for maximum solar production. This helps balance out lower production in the cloudy winter months.

Solar Incentives
Washington State Solar Tax Exemption
Federal Solar Investment Tax Incentive (ITC)
The federal government incentivizes you to purchase solar by reducing the barriers to entry. This incentive lowers your federal tax obligations on a dollar-to-dollar basis, through a cash rebate. There is no ceiling on the tax credit. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Incentive is worth 30% of the total purchase price of your solar system, regardless of the system size or cost.

How To Break Down A Solar Purchase
Average Pre-Incentive System Cost in Washington
Average System Size in Washington: 5 Kilowatts
Average System Cost Per Kilowatt in Washington: $3,300
Average Sales Tax in Washington: 8.6%
5 Kilowatts in Size x $3,300 Per Kilowatt = $16,500 Pre-Tax Cost
$16,500 Pre-Tax Cost x .086 Sales Tax Rate = $1,419 Sales Tax
$16,500 Pre-Tax Cost + $1,419 Sales Tax = $17,919
Average Pre-Incentive Solar System Cost in WA: $17,919
Calculating Average Washington Solar Incentives
Washington State Solar Tax Exemption
The State of Washington will waive all of your sales tax.
Average Solar Sales Tax Exemption in Washington: $1,419
FEDERAL SOLAR INVESTMENT TAX INCENTIVE (ITC)
The federal government will provide a cash incentive of 30% of your total system cost.
$16,500 System Cost W/O Sales Tax x 30% = $4,950 Incentive
Average Federal Solar Incentive in Washington: $4,950
Calculating the Average Cost of Solar in Washington
Average Pre-Incentive System Cost In Washington: $17,919
Average Solar Sales Tax Exemption in Washington: $1,419
Average Federal Government Incentive in Washington: $4,950
$17,919 Pre-Incentive Cost – ($4,950 Federal Incentive + $1,419 Tax Exemption) = $11,550
Average Post-Incentive System Cost in Washington: $11,550

Solar Purchase Options
Think of purchasing solar like buying or renting a home. You can own it outright by paying cash up front, you can finance it and pay little to nothing up front, or you can choose to rent (lease).

Does Solar Make Sense For You?
We believe in educating our prospective clients so you can make well-informed decisions about your solar energy needs. Our Free SolarAudit will help you understand whether your property is a good candidate for solar. From there, we can make recommendations based on the incentives available to you and develop a unique plan that addresses your solar energy needs.