Solar Panels Cost 28k-38k in Ephrata, WA | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $28k-$38k in Ephrata, WA | October, 2024

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

Currently, in Ephrata, WA in the month of October, 2024, the price per each watt of solar panels is $3.67/W.

It will cost you $3,670, on average, for every 1K (or 1000 watts) of capacity that your solar panels have. After deducting the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW system in Ephrata typically costs $12,845. Please note that a larger system might be essential to ensure your energy needs are met.

To your left, you have the option to choose your county and view the typical roof size along with the average maximum capacity for solar panel installations on homes in your area. The following analysis, below, highlights the price, 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.
Ephrata: $12,845US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Ephrata: 10 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Ephrata: $7,680US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Ephrata

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

Roof size 822sq. ft.
Capacity 11.5kW DC
Electricity 14.4kkWh AC per yr.

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

Energy consumers in Ephrata usually pay $108.46 per month for electricity, consuming an typical of 1,751 kWh. Compact dwellings, such as condos and apartments, are also encompassed in the figures noted in the previous sentence.

The rate of electricity in Ephrata, WA, on average, is 6.2¢ per kWh in October 2024.

If you’re an average energy user in Ephrata you need a 15 kW or higher sized system to cover your full electricity demands. The price of aa 15 kW solar installation is approximately $55,050 initially, but with a 30% tax credit, the total cost drops to $38,535.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Ephrata

To the left below, you'll find the cost breakdown for various sizes of the solar panel systems installed in Ephrata. A bigger solar array will expectedly cost more, but it will also provide more significant electricity savings and increased income tax credits.

The calculator to the right and below provides a detailed summary of solar panel costs and benefits, based on an average electric bill of $108.46 in Ephrata. For a more accurate estimate, change the $108.46 with your usual electricity bill amount.

System Size 11kW
Roof Size Min. space required
787 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $981 a year
Est. Price
$28,259
Savings from a 11kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 16,346 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $82
  • Full payback in 22 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.05 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 48 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,588 mi less a year
System Size 12kW
Roof Size Min. space required
858 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,070 a year
Est. Price
$30,828
Savings from a 12kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 17,832 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $89
  • Full payback in 24 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.14 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 52 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,824 mi less a year
System Size 13kW
Roof Size Min. space required
930 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,159 a year
Est. Price
$33,397
Savings from a 13kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 19,319 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $97
  • Full payback in 26 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.24 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 57 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,059 mi less a year
System Size 14kW
Roof Size Min. space required
1,001 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,248 a year
Est. Price
$35,966
Savings from a 14kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 20,805 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $104
  • Full payback in 28 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.33 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 61 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,294 mi less a year
System Size 15kW
Roof Size Min. space required
1,073 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,337 a year
Est. Price
$38,535
Savings from a 15kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 22,291 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $108
  • Full payback in 30 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

Ephrata Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Eligible rural small businesses and farmlands might have their solar energy or wind turbine installation costs covered by the REAP Grant, ranging from 80% to 100%. Think you are eligible? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify your qualification.

With the 30% federal income tax credit, nearly all homeowners qualify for residential solar, making it a practical option in many regions in the United States. Furthermore, many state and local programs are intended to encourage more people to use solar power.

Residents of Washington can access 14 solar rebate and incentive programs from a range of utilities and governmental 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 your intention is to stay in your home beyond the solar payback period, choosing solar panels is a good option in Ephrata. A 5 kW solar system in Ephrata, WA could potentially save you $13,185.4 over the course of 20 years, with the break even point typically at 10 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Ephrata, WA

Beyond forgoing the savings highlighted above, the absence of solar panels or another backup energy solution leads to total dependency on your electric utility for power. Many recent news reports have highlighted that relying entirely on your utility isn't always ideal.

Lately, the average number of utility outages per customer annually in Washington has been about 1.43. On average, an outage lasts 251.91 minutes. Major events such as earthquakes, aging infrastructure, or planned maintenance can significantly extend these time frames.

A solar energy system, regardless of whether it has a backup battery or not, should help relieve the strain of future power outages you may face.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Grant County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel setups come with a greater price tag, yet the cost per watt reduces as the size of the system expands. A lot of people find it useful to set up a solar energy system that can offset their entire electric bill. This ensures optimal savings.

Make & Model - Solar panels are offered in a range of makes and models. The installer you select may have certain system preferences, so it's important to select a reputable installer. For buyers desiring a superior long-term experience, choosing better quality makes and models is important.

Solar Panel Type - For good reasons, monocrystalline panels have become the standard in the industry. These panels are more expensive but generate more energy. The majority of installers in the industry use panels made of this material.

Your Property - Each property and home is one of a kind. Trees, uneven ground, or additional hindrances can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. Using satellite images, solar installers currently can assess your home and include these elements into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Various wages are paid to employees by various companies, and these expenses are passed on to the consumers. It is frequently observed that companies with higher wages get superior reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Your installation cost will be impacted by area-specific permitting and utility interconnection fees. That said, experienced local installers will be able to integrate these numbers into your preliminary quotes so there are no surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other WA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Ephrata?

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

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

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

Elemental Energy

Portland, OR(503) 967-5786

Services

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

Whidbey Sun & Wind

Coupeville, WA(360) 678-7131

Services

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

Columbia Basin Solar

Pasco, WA(509) 521-2363

Services

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

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

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

Northwest Renewables

Spokane, WA(509) 443-4526

Services

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

Ephrata, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in Ephrata, WA is $3.67/W. In Ephrata, WA, installing a 5 kW solar panel system will set you back approximately $12,845 after federal tax incentives.

  • There are 14 rebates and incentives available in Washington from a range of utility providers and government organizations. On top of that, most individuals are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.

  • While cash payments offer the most savings, there are now many financing options for solar panels that are also financially beneficial. Financing partners are often associated with many installers, and this will be provided in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback period in Ephrata, WA stands at 10 years, yielding average electricity savings of $13,185.4 over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01