Solar Panels Cost 17k-26k in Castle Rock, WA | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $17k-$26k in Castle Rock, WA | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Castle Rock, WA in 2024?

It averages out to $3.48 per watt to go solar in October, 2024 in Castle Rock, WA.

For every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar panels can produce, you will need to spend, on average, $3,480 for its installation. Applying the 30% federal tax credit, the average expense for a 5 kW solar system in Castle Rock is approximately $12,180. Bear in mind that you may need a bigger system to satisfy your energy requirements.

Use the left-hand menu to select your area and see the typical roof size and the maximum capacity for residential solar on homes in your county. Below, you can see a complete outline of the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Castle Rock: $12,180US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Castle Rock: 9 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Castle Rock: $10,498US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Castle Rock

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

Roof size 769sq. ft.
Capacity 10.75kW DC
Electricity 10.5kkWh AC per yr.

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

The average electricity bill in Castle Rock, for a usage of 1,337 kWh per month, is $116.24. These numbers take into account apartments and smaller residences with lower energy needs.

For October 2024, the mean electricity rate in Castle Rock, WA is 8.69¢ per kWh.

To satisfy the electricity requirements of an average consumer in Castle Rock, a solar panel system of 11 kW or larger is a must. The starting price for an 11 kW solar system will be $38,280, but after a 30% tax credit, your cost is reduced to $26,796.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Castle Rock

On the left side below, you'll find the cost breakdown for different sizes of the solar panel systems set up in Castle Rock. While a more extensive solar installation has a higher price, it also yields higher electricity savings and higher income tax credits.

The solar panel calculator, located below and to the right, gives a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on a typical $116.24 electric bill for Castle Rock. To get custom results, alter the $116.24 to reflect your usual electricity payment.

System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $936 a year
Est. Price
$17,052
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,402 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $78
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.93 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 43 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,300 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,070 a year
Est. Price
$19,488
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 11,888 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $89
  • Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.06 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 49 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,629 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,204 a year
Est. Price
$21,924
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 13,374 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $100
  • Full payback in 16 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.19 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 55 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,957 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,337 a year
Est. Price
$24,360
Savings from a 10kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 14,860 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $111
  • Full payback in 17 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.33 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 61 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,286 mi less a year
System Size 11kW
Roof Size Min. space required
787 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,471 a year
Est. Price
$26,796
Savings from a 11kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 16,346 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $116
  • Full payback in 19 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.38 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 63 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,420 mi less a year

Castle Rock Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Eligible rural small businesses and farmlands might have their solar or wind turbine installation costs covered by the REAP Grant, ranging from 80% to 100%. Unsure if you're eligible? Verify your status with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

Homeowners can benefit from a 30% federal income tax credit for adding residential solar panels, which makes solar power a feasible option throughout much of the country. Additionally, there are various state and local incentives to further push for the adoption of solar energy.

There are 14 solar incentive and rebate programs in Washington, available by different utilities and governmental bodies.

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 good decision in Castle Rock. A 5 kW solar system in Castle Rock, WA might save you an average of $15,717.6 over 20 years, with the break even point typically being 9 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Castle Rock, WA

Without solar panels or another backup power source, you lose out on the previously noted savings and are entirely dependent on your electric utility for electricity. As recent news articles have pointed out, total reliance on your utility provider isn't always ideal.

In recent years, Castle Rock has seen an average of 0.72 utility outages per customer each year. The average length of an outage is 96.67 minutes. In events like planned maintenance, equipment failure or thunderstorms, this duration can extend significantly.

Regardless of whether a backup battery is present, a solar panel system could reduce the impact of future power outages you might experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Cowlitz County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Castle Rock, WA?

Your Energy Needs - When opting for larger solar panel systems, the overall expense is larger; however, the cost per watt diminishes with an increase in system size. Setting up a solar panel system that can cover the electric bill is useful to consumers because of the reduced long-term costs.

Make & Model - There are a range of makes and models of solar panels and mounting equipment. Because the installer you select might have specific system preferences, selecting a highly rated contractor is even more important. The employment of high-quality materials is probably will yield a more positive long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - It's not surprising that monocrystalline panels are now the industry standard. They are associated with a higher price, but they provide more energy. Most solar panel installers choose this kind of material.

Your Property - Things like trees, sloping terrain, or other impediments may cause the installation to be more challenging. By using satellite imagery, solar installers can now assess your home and factor in these factors into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The varying wages that companies offer their employees lead to costs that are inevitably passed on to consumers. Companies often garner higher reviews for their services and customer service when they pay higher wages.

Permitting & Interconnection - Permitting and utility interconnection fees differ locally and will impact your installation cost. Experienced local installers will include these figures in your initial estimates to ensure transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other WA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Castle Rock?

A&R Solar

Seattle, WA(206) 707-9937

Services

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

Douglass Colony Group

Commerce City, CO(877) 288-0650

Services

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

SunVest Solar

Pewaukee, WI(262) 547-1200

Services

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

Solgen Power

Pasco, WA(855) 220-0778

Services

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

Elemental Energy

Portland, OR(503) 967-5786

Services

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

Whidbey Sun & Wind

Coupeville, WA(360) 678-7131

Services

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

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

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

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

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

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

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

Northwest Electric & Solar

Kenmore, WA(206) 356-0601

Services

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

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

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.

Castle Rock, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the typical cost for solar panels in Castle Rock, WA is $3.48/W. For a 5 kW solar panel system, the total cost in Castle Rock, WA after federal tax credits is around $12,180.

  • If you live in Washington, you can find 14 rebates and incentives through different utilities and government agencies. Also, nearly everyone can take advantage of the 30% federal tax credit.

  • While paying cash ensures the greatest savings, there are now numerous financing options for solar panels that are also cost-effective. Initial quotes from installers will frequently contain information about available financing options.

  • Yes, in Castle Rock, WA, the average time for 5 kW solar panel systems to pay for themselves is 9 years, leading to electricity savings of $15,717.6 over a 20-year period.
Ginalyn Gelera
Last Reviewed By: Ginalyn Gelera
Published: 2024-10-01