Solar Panels Cost 9.3k-18k in Issaquah, WA | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $9.3k-$18k in Issaquah, WA | October, 2024

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

In Issaquah, WA in October, 2024, the current cost per watt of solar panel systems is estimated at $3.35/W

According to this cost, you should expect to pony up $3,350, on average, for every 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of solar energy your system will need to generate. On average, the expense for a 5 kW solar setup in Issaquah, after a 30% federal tax credit, is $11,725. A bigger system could be necessary to satisfy your energy requirements.

Select your county from the menu on the left to find the typical roof size and maximum solar panel capacity for homes in your area. The following summary, below, highlights the costs, payback period, and 20-year average 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.
Issaquah: $11,725US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Issaquah: 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.
Issaquah: $12,355US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Issaquah

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

Roof size 644sq. ft.
Capacity 9kW DC
Electricity 8.8kkWh AC per yr.

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

The typical kWh usage for a Issaquah resident is 870 monthly, with an average electric bill of $121.27. This number also includes data from apartments and smaller residences, which generally use reduced energy requirements.

In October 2024, the mean electricity rate in Issaquah, WA amounts to 13.93¢ per kWh.

In Issaquah, an average electricity consumer's electricity needs can be fully accounted for by a solar system of 8 kW or higher. Upfront, an 8 kWsolar installation is priced at about $26,800, with the 30% tax credit, this drops to $18,760.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Issaquah

Displayed below and to the left is the price structure for various sizes of the solar panel systems in Issaquah. The larger the solar array, the larger the initial expense, but also the greater electricity savings and income tax credits you'll get.

The cost and benefit breakdown for solar panels, displayed in the calculator down and to the right, is based on an average electric bill of $121.27 in Issaquah. Simply change the $121.27 to your average electricity bill for more accurate results.

System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $832 a year
Est. Price
$9,380
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,944 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $69
  • Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.79 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 36 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 1,960 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,040 a year
Est. Price
$11,725
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,430 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $87
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.99 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 45 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,450 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,248 a year
Est. Price
$14,070
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,916 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $104
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.19 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 55 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,940 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,456 a year
Est. Price
$16,415
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,402 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $121
  • Full payback in 11 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
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,664 a year
Est. Price
$18,760
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 11,888 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $121
  • Full payback in 13 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

Issaquah Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Rural entrepreneurs and farmers might find that the REAP Grant pays for 80% to 100% of their costs when installing solar or wind energy systems. Unsure if you're eligible? Check your status with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

A 30% federal tax credit is accessible to most homeowners for residential solar installations, which renders solar energy a feasible choice in various regions across the United States. Apart from the federal incentives, state and local programs also aim to boost solar energy uptake.

Washington provides 14 solar rebates and incentives from different utility companies and government departments.

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?

If you're expecting to live in your home past the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a wise decision in Issaquah. Over a 20 year period, a 5 kW solar system in Issaquah, WA could save you approximately $17,379.8, with the average break even time being 8 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Issaquah, WA

Failing to have solar panels or an alternative backup energy means missing the savings mentioned earlier and being entirely reliant on your electric utility for electricity. As recent news articles have highlighted, full dependence on your utility provider isn't always ideal.

The average number of outages per customer per year for utilities in Issaquah has been 1.09 in recent years. On average, an outage lasts 196 minutes. When major events such as wildfires, vandalism, or aging infrastructure occur, these durations can increase significantly

A solar energy system could mitigate the effects of future outages, whether or not it has a backup battery.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in King County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems come with a larger upfront cost, but the price per watt is reduced. Homeowners often discover that installing a solar system that can offset their entire electric bill is advantageous, ensuring optimal savings.

Make & Model - There are many brands and models of solar panels. Because the installer you select might have specific brand preferences, picking a highly rated company is especially important. The utilization of high-quality materials is likely to result in a more positive long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - It's understandable that monocrystalline panels are now the industry standard. They are pricier but generate more energy. Most professionals in solar installation work with panels constructed from this material.

Your Property - Trees, uneven ground, or additional considerations can increase the complexity of the installation. Most solar installers today use satellite imagery to evaluate your home and integrate these elements into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Different companies offer varying wages to their employees, and these costs are inevitably borne by the consumers. Businesses that invest in higher wages often see higher reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Depending on the area, local permitting and utility interconnection fees will affect the cost of your installation. Quality local installers will include these figures in your preliminary estimates to provide transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other WA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Issaquah?

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

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.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • 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 solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Solora Solar

Issaquah, WA(425) 366-8953

Services

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

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

Issaquah, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • In October, 2024, the average cost of solar panels per watt in Issaquah, WA is $3.35/W. The approximate cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Issaquah, WA, after deducting federal tax credits, is $11,725.
  • Currently, Washington residents can benefit from 14 rebates and incentives available through various utilities and government bodies. On top of that, most individuals are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.
  • Cash payments yield the highest savings, yet several financing options now available for solar panels are advantageous as well. Installers often have partnerships with financing companies and will include this information in your initial quotes.
  • Yes, on average, the return on investment for 5 kW solar panel systems in Issaquah, WA is achieved in 8 years, with electricity savings amounting to $17,379.8 over 20 years.
Ginalyn Gelera
Last Reviewed By: Ginalyn Gelera
Published: 2024-10-01