Solar Panels Cost 13k-22k in Bellingham, WA | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $13k-$22k in Bellingham, WA | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Bellingham, WA in 2024?

For solar panel systems in Bellingham, WA, the price per watt in October, 2024 is , on average, $3.23/W.

This means that, solar panel installations will cost you $3,230 per 1000 watts (1 kW) of generation capacity. In Bellingham, a 5 kW panel install will require you to pay, on average, $11,305 after the 30% federal income tax credit. Your energy use habits could need a larger system.

Use the menu on the left to pick your county and see the typical roof size and the average maximum capacity for solar panel systems on residences in your area. Below, you can find a complete overview of the costs, payback period, and 20-year typical savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Bellingham: $11,305US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Bellingham: 8 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Bellingham: $12,955US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Bellingham

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Bellingham.

Roof size 751sq. ft.
Capacity 10.5kW DC
Electricity 10.1kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Bellingham, WA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

The typical monthly kWh usage for a Bellingham resident is 870, with an average monthly bill of $121.27. Be mindful that this data set includes apartments and other smaller residences with usually reduced energy requirements.

The electricity rate per kWh in Bellingham, WA for October 2024 is 13.93¢.

An average energy consumer in Bellingham needs a solar system of a minimum of 10 kW to account for their full electricity usage demands. The expected cost is around $32,300for a 10 kW solar system upfront, but the federal tax credit gives you 30% back, lowering the cost to $22,610.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Bellingham

To the left, you'll see a detailed cost breakdown of the multiple sizes of solar panel systems set up in Bellingham. The initial cost for larger solar systems is higher, but they also yield more significant electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.

Check a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator to the right and below, for an average electric bill of $121.27 in Bellingham. By modifying the $121.27 to your typical electricity bill, you can get customized results.

System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $945 a year
Est. Price
$13,566
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,752 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $79
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.29 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 151 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,143 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,103 a year
Est. Price
$15,827
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,877 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $92
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.84 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 176 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,500 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,260 a year
Est. Price
$18,088
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,003 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $105
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.39 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 201 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 10,857 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,418 a year
Est. Price
$20,349
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,128 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $118
  • Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 4.93 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 227 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 12,214 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,575 a year
Est. Price
$22,610
Savings from a 10kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 11,254 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $121
  • Full payback in 16 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 5.05 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 232 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 12,507 mi less a year

Bellingham Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

If you're a rural small business or farm owner, you might be eligible for REAP Grant coverage of between 80% and 100% for your photovoltaic or wind turbine project. Curious about your eligibility? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check.

Most homeowners can qualify for the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, making solar energy a practical option throughout most parts of the country. In addition to federal incentives, there are many state and local initiatives to encourage solar energy adoption.

Washington offers 14 solar rebate and incentive programs through different utilities and government agencies.

Renewable Energy Sales and Use Tax Exemption

Value:Varies

Most renewable energy systems in Washington state are at least partially exempt from sales/use tax. Qualifying technologies include solar, wind, some biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal, landfill gas, and hog fuel (wood-burning.) Total exemptions are available for hog fuel systems and solar devices rated for less than 10 kW. Other systems will receive a 75% exemption applied at the time of purchase. Exemption certificates are available from the Department of Revenue and must be presented to the equipment dealer.

Renewable Energy Standard

Value:Varies

Washington first established a renewable portfolio standard in 2006 upon the passage of a statewide referendum. The most recent standard goals required at least 15% of each utility's retail electricity to be generated using renewable technology by 2020. Compliance with the standard is measured using a Renewable Energy Credit system pegging one megawatt hour of electricity to a variable dollar amount. Utilities may generate credits using their own renewable facilities or purchase them from customers through tariff programs. Should a utility fail to meet its standard quota, it will be fined for each credit it is deficient. Utilities are exempt from the standard if they do not have load growth or if renewable energy investment would not be cost-effective.

Interconnection Standards

Value:Varies

Distributed generation and interconnection practices in Washington state have been standardized since 2007. All private utilities are subject to the standards; local public utilities and cooperatives are exempt. Each new renewable energy system to be interconnected will be assigned one of three regulatory Tiers. A system's Tier determines the IEEE/UL/NEC standards it must follow and the rigor of the permit process, including application fees and turnaround times. Tier 1 ends at 25 kW, while Tier 2 ends at 500 kW. External disconnect switches are required for systems at or above Tier 2. Utilities may require customers to carry liability insurance or a minimum warranty for their system.

Green Building and Energy Reduction Standards for State Agencies

Value:Varies

Since 2005, new state buildings and public remodeling projects in Washington state have been required to follow certain green building standards. Any new occupied public building at least 25,000 square feet in size must meet the requirements for LEED Silver certification and pursue formal accreditation from the US Green Building Council. Remodeling projects should incorporate as many LEED principles as possible, though they are not required to pursue formal certification. Additional information is available from the Washington Department of Enterprise Services.

Clark Public Utilities - Solar Energy Equipment Loan

Value:Varies

Residential customers of Clark Public Utilities may be eligible for special loans to fund new solar energy systems and components. The maximum available principal per loan is $30,000 at 3.5% APR. The principal determines both repayment period duration and the applicable fees and conditions. Additional information is available from the CPU website.

Grays Harbor PUD - Net Metering

Value:Varies

The Grays Harbor Public Utility District operates a unique net metering program. Credits for net excess generation are awarded at the end of each year and amount to half of the normal retail price. While the Grays Harbor program technically does not follow the letter of the state's net metering laws, customers may earn additional benefits and have a greater incentive to adopt renewable energy. Additional information is available through the utility website.

WSHFC Sustainable Energy Program

Value:Varies

The Sustainable Energy Program/Trust is a division of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Residents and businesses undertaking new green construction or making energy efficiency improvements may be eligible for at least $50,000 of special financing. Interest rates of 2 - 4% are available. To qualify, a project should improve the site or entity's energy efficiency by at least 10%. Standard engineering reviews and pre/post-work energy audits apply. Additional information is available from the WSHFC website.

Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard for Affordable Housing

Value:Varies

The Evergreen Sustainable Development Standard is Washington's green building rubric tailored for new affordable housing. Standards are based on LEED and incur points for compliance. Small energy efficiency practices can earn 1 point, using renewable energy (such as solar PV) can earn five points, and exceeding the total standard will earn 15 points. New affordable housing projects should earn at least 50 points; remodeling projects should earn at least 40 points. Additional information and a copy of the standard are available from the Washington State Department of Commerce.

Renewable Energy Manufacturing Program

Value:Varies

The Sustainable Energy Program/Trust is a division of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Residents and businesses undertaking new green construction or making energy efficiency improvements may be eligible for at least $50,000 of special financing. Interest rates of 2 - 4% are available. To qualify, a project should improve the site or entity's energy efficiency by at least 10%. Standard engineering reviews and pre/post-work energy audits apply. Additional information is available from the WSHFC website.

Mandatory Utility Green Power Option

Value:Varies

Washington state law requires all public or private electrical utilities with a customer base of at least 25,000 to offer green power options. Customers can purchase 100% renewable energy in fixed blocks. This energy may be derived from solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, landfill gas, or a combination of these technologies. Each customer will be notified of the green power option on a quarterly basis. Annual reports on program uptake and resources are available from the state legislature.

Tax Abatement for Solar Manufacturers

Value:Varies

In 2005, former Washington governor Christine Gregoire approved a legislative corporate tax cut for the state's solar energy device and component manufacturers. Current tax rates for these companies are at least 43% below the average liability. Tax incentives only apply to businesses producing silicon components, semiconductors, solar cells, converters, and other components directly involved in the production of photovoltaic energy. The special rates expire in 2027. Additional information is available from the Department of Revenue.

Net Metering

Value:Varies

In Washington, any renewable energy system rated for under 100 kW is eligible for net metering. All public/private utilities and cooperatives must offer interconnection and net metering to new renewable energy customers. Upon agreeing to a net metering contract, the energy system's owner will have a bidirectional meter installed to measure net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. Utilities will credit customer bills for NEG at an avoided-cost rate per kilowatt hour. Should generation exceed consumption for any given cycle, NEG credits may roll forward to subsequent months. Additional information is available from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission.

Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Incentive Payment

Value:Varies

The Sustainable Energy Program/Trust is a division of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Residents and businesses undertaking new green construction or making energy efficiency improvements may be eligible for at least $50,000 of special financing. Interest rates of 2 - 4% are available. To qualify, a project should improve the site or entity's energy efficiency by at least 10%. Standard engineering reviews and pre/post-work energy audits apply. Additional information is available from the WSHFC website.

Energy Efficiency and Solar Grants

Value:Varies

The Sustainable Energy Program/Trust is a division of the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Residents and businesses undertaking new green construction or making energy efficiency improvements may be eligible for at least $50,000 of special financing. Interest rates of 2 - 4% are available. To qualify, a project should improve the site or entity's energy efficiency by at least 10%. Standard engineering reviews and pre/post-work energy audits apply. Additional information is available from the WSHFC website.

Are solar panels worth it in Washington?

If you're planning to stay in your home past the period required to pay back your solar investment, installing solar panels is a wise decision in Bellingham. A 5 kW system in Bellingham, WA will save you personally, on average, $17,799.8 over a 20 period and the average break even point is 8 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Bellingham, WA

Besides missing out on the previously mentioned savings, not having solar panels or a separate backup energy source makes you fully reliant on your electric utility for electricity. Relying entirely on your utility isn't always ideal, as several recent news reports have highlighted.

Each year, the utilities in Bellingham have averaged about 1.09 outages per customer. On average, the length of an outage is 196 minutes. Major events like thunderstorms, equipment failure, or vandalism can cause these durations to rise considerably.

A solar energy system, whether or not it has a backup battery, could help reduce the effects of any future power interruptions you might face.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Whatcom County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Bellingham, WA?

Your Energy Needs - Even though larger solar panel systems are more expensive initially, the average price per watt reduces as the system size increases. Consumers often find that installing a solar system that can offset their electric bill is extremely useful. This method leads to maximum savings.

Make & Model - There are a wide variety of makes and models of solar panels and mounting equipment. Your installer’s system preferences might necessitate picking a reputable company. Buyers frequently find that using better quality models provides a more positive long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - For numerous good reasons, monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. Although they are more expensive, they deliver increased energy. The majority of installers use panels made from this material.

Your Property - No two properties or homes are identical. Trees, uneven ground, or other obstructions can increase the difficulty of the installation. Solar installers currently commonly leverage satellite imagery to evaluate your home and incorporate these considerations into the initial cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Variations in employee wages across companies cause expenses that are transferred to the consumers. Higher wages often lead to companies getting better reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Your final installation cost will be impacted by local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary by area. Reliable local installers will incorporate these figures into your initial estimates to prevent any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other WA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Bellingham?

A&R Solar

Seattle, WA(206) 707-9937

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Douglass Colony Group

Commerce City, CO(877) 288-0650

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

SunVest Solar

Pewaukee, WI(262) 547-1200

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Solgen Power

Pasco, WA(855) 220-0778

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Elemental Energy

Portland, OR(503) 967-5786

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Whidbey Sun & Wind

Coupeville, WA(360) 678-7131

Services

  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Whidbey Sun and Wind

Coupeville, WA(360) 678-7131

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Northwest Electric & Solar

Kenmore, WA(206) 356-0601

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Puget Sound Solar

Seattle, WA(206) 706-1931

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

LightEdison

Denver, CO(888) 966-6377

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Barron Heating and AC

Ferndale, WA(360) 676-1131

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Bellingham, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the average solar panel installation cost in Bellingham, WA has reached $3.23/W. In Bellingham, WA, the cost of installing a 5 kW solar panel system is approximately $11,305 after applying the federal tax credit.

  • At present, there are 14 rebates and incentives available to Washington residents from various utility and government programs. Moreover, nearly everyone is eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.

  • Paying cash yields the most savings, but there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that are also cost-effective. Information about financing options will often be detailed in your preliminary quotes by many installers.

  • Yes, in Bellingham, WA, 5 kW solar panel systems usually pay off in 8 years, providing an average electricity cost savings of $17,799.8 over a 20-year period.
King Manalo
Last Reviewed By: King Manalo
Published: 2024-10-01