Solar Panels Cost 14k-23k in Gig Harbor, WA | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $14k-$23k in Gig Harbor, WA | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Gig Harbor, WA in 2024?

Going solar in October, 2024 in Gig Harbor, WA costs about $3.35/W.

According to the price, solar panel installations will cost you approximately $3,350 per 1000 watts (1 kW) of production capacity. When you subtract the 30% federal tax credit, you will spend around $11,725, in Gig Harbor, for a 5 kW solar system. Please consider, a 5kW system might not be sufficient to satisfy your energy demands.

On the left, choose your county to see the typical roof size and the maximum generation capacity for solar panels on homes in your area. Below, you'll find a full outline of 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.
Gig Harbor: $11,725US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Gig Harbor: 7 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Gig Harbor: $16,044US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Gig Harbor

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

Roof size 733sq. ft.
Capacity 10.25kW DC
Electricity 9.8kkWh AC per yr.

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

For Gig Harbor energy consumers, the typical electric bill is $136.64 per month, with a usage of 1,189 kWh. Small residences, including lofts or apartments, are also encompassed in the statistics noted in the prior sentence.

The rate of electricity in Gig Harbor, WA, averaging, is 11.49¢ per kWh in October 2024.

If you’re a typical energy user in Gig Harbor you must have a 10 kW or more sized system to meet all of your power needs. At this time, a 10 kW solar system will cost you approximately $33,500, but the federal tax credit reduces the price by 30%, making it $23,450.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Gig Harbor

To the left and below, you can find a detailed cost breakdown for different solar panel system sizes installed in Gig Harbor. As expected, with a more extensive solar system, you'll see a greater initial expense, but the benefits are higher electricity savings and more substantial income tax credits.

The solar panel calculator, located to the right and below, gives a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on a typical $136.64 electric bill for Gig Harbor. Change the $136.64 to your average bill payment for custom results.

System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $981 a year
Est. Price
$14,070
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,916 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $82
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.82 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 38 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,040 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,144 a year
Est. Price
$16,415
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,402 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $95
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.96 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 44 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,380 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,308 a year
Est. Price
$18,760
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 11,888 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $109
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.1 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 50 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,721 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,471 a year
Est. Price
$21,105
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 13,374 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $123
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.24 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 57 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,061 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,635 a year
Est. Price
$23,450
Savings from a 10kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 14,860 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $136
  • Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.37 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 63 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,401 mi less a year

Gig Harbor Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Eligible rural small businesses and agricultural operations might have their solar energy or wind turbine installation costs covered by the REAP Grant, ranging from 80% to 100%. Believe you might be eligible? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check your eligibility.

With the accessibility of a 30% federal income tax credit, solar energy becomes a viable solution for most homeowners, notably in numerous parts of the country. There are also a range of state and local efforts aimed at boosting solar energy use.

Washington has 14 solar rebate and incentive initiatives available from multiple utilities and government agencies.

Solar incentives in WA

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?

Intending to stay in your house beyond the solar payback period? Solar panels are a wise investment in Gig Harbor. Installing a 5 kW solar system in Gig Harbor, WA will, on average, save you $21,068.6 over 20 years, and you can expect to break even in about 7 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Gig Harbor, WA

The lack of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means you'll forgo the earlier mentioned savings and be completely reliant on your electric utility for power. Recent media examples have shown that full reliance on your utility company isn't always ideal.

Customers in Gig Harbor have experienced an average of 0.94 utility outages per year in recent times. Each outage lasts an average of 92.2 minutes. In the case of major events such as heavy rain and flooding, vandalism, or grid management errors, this period can increase substantially.

With or without a backup battery, a solar panel system could relieve the stress of future power disruptions you might encounter.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Pierce County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Gig Harbor, WA?

Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt is decreased with larger solar panel systems, even though the initial cost is greater. Setting up a solar panel system that can cover the electric bill is advantageous to consumers because of the money saved.

Make & Model - Similar to many other products, there are different makes and models of solar panels and mounting equipment on the market. Your contractor’s potential system preferences make it more important to select a reputable installer. Higher quality makes and models often provide a more positive long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels are generally accepted as the standard in the industry, and deservedly so. Even though they are more expensive, they generate more energy. The majority of installers work with panels constructed from this material.

Your Property - No two homes or properties are the same. Elements such as trees, uneven ground, or additional obstacles might complicate the installation process. These days, the majority of solar installers can assess your home with satellite images and factor in these considerations in the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Various wages are offered to employees by various companies, and these expenses are transferred to the consumers. Higher wages frequently lead to companies getting better reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which differ by region, will influence your final installation cost. Experienced local installers will incorporate these numbers into your first quotes to avoid any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other WA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Gig Harbor?

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

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

Solgen Power

Pasco, WA(855) 220-0778

Services

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

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

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • 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.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

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

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

Northwest Electric & Solar

Kenmore, WA(206) 356-0601

Services

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

Puget Sound Solar

Seattle, WA(206) 706-1931

Services

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

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.

Sunergy Systems

Seattle, WA(206) 279-0493

Services

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

Gig Harbor, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in Gig Harbor, WA is $3.35/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in Gig Harbor, WA will roughly cost $11,725.
  • Homeowners in Washington can take advantage of 14 different rebates and incentives from a variety of utility companies and government agencies. Additionally, almost everyone is entitled to the 30% federal income tax credit.
  • Although cash payments yield the greatest savings, numerous financing options for solar panels now exist that are also cost-effective. Many installers will detail information about their financing partners in the initial quotes they provide.
  • Yes, in Gig Harbor, WA, 5 kW solar panel systems usually pay off in 7 years, providing an average electricity cost savings of $21,068.6 over a 20-year period.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-10-01