Solar Panels Cost 13k-22k in Kent, WA | August, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $13k-$22k in Kent, WA | August, 2024

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

You'll spend around $3.23/W to go solar in August, 2024 in Kent, WA.

For every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar system can generate, you will need to invest, on average, $3,230 to have it installed. In Kent, a 5 kW solar installation will cost you, on average, $11,305 after the 30% federal income tax credit. To meet your energy needs, you may require more than a 5kW system.

On the left, you can select your county to find out the average roof size and the maximum capacity for residential solar on houses in your area. Outlined below are the price, 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.
Kent: $11,305US Average: $12,634
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Kent: 8 yearsUS Average: 8 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Kent: $12,662US Average: $15,248

Solar Potential in Kent

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

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

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

Kent energy consumers generally use 867 kWh monthly, with an average monthly bill of $120.05. Keep in mind that this figure covers both apartments and smaller homes, which typically require reduced energy.

The mean rate for electricity in Kent, WA during August, 2024 is 13.84¢ per kWh.

Typical electricity users in Kent will need a solar system of 10 kW or higher to cover their entire electricity usage requirements. The expected cost is around $32,300for a 10 kW setup before incentives, but the federal tax credit gives you 30% back, lowering the cost to $22,610.

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Kent

On your left, we have displayed a thorough pricing details for various solar panel system sizes set up in Kent. More extensive solar installations come with a larger expense, yet they also offer higher electricity savings and higher income tax credits.

Refer to the solar panel cost calculator down and to the right to see the cost and benefit details derived from an average $120.05 electric bill in Kent. To get more personalized results, just adjust the $120.05to match your average electricity bill amount.

System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $930 a year
Est. Price
$13,566
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,646 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $78
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.92 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 42 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,279 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,086 a year
Est. Price
$15,827
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,754 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $90
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.07 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 49 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,659 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,241 a year
Est. Price
$18,088
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,862 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $103
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.23 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 56 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,039 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,396 a year
Est. Price
$20,349
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,969 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $116
  • Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.38 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 63 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,419 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,551 a year
Est. Price
$22,610
Savings from a 10kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 11,077 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $120
  • Full payback in 16 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.43 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 65 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,528 mi less a year

Kent Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Between 80% and 100% of your solar energy or wind turbine installation costs may be covered by the REAP Grant if you own a rural small business or farm. Confirm if you are eligible by utilizing our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

Almost all homeowners can take advantage of the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, making solar energy a sensible option throughout most parts of the country. Several state and local efforts are designed to boost the adoption of solar energy.

Various utilities and government agencies in Washington have 14 solar rebate and incentive initiatives.

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 expect to live in your home beyond the payback period of your solar system, solar panels are an excellent choice in Kent. If you install a 5 kW solar system in Kent, WA, you might save $17,507 over 20 years on average, with a break even point at roughly 8 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Kent, WA

The absence of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means that you forgo the savings noted earlier and depend on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news has proven that total reliance on your utility company is not always ideal.

In recent times, the average number of utility outages per customer annually in Kent has been about 1.09. On average, the length of an outage is 196 minutes. Major events like overloaded power grids, wildfires or construction accidents can cause these durations to rise considerably.

With or without a backup battery, a solar panel system could help to mitigate the effects of future power interruptions you might face.

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

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

Your Energy Needs - Despite the larger initial expense, the cost per watt drops when using larger solar panel systems. Many individuals find it advantageous to set up a system that can generate enough electricity to replace the entirety of their electric bill. This math makes the most sense for optimal savings.

Make & Model - Similar to other industries, the solar energy sector features a wide range of solar panel brands and designs. Because the installer might have certain system preferences, it's important to select a reputable installer. The utilization of better equipment is probably will provide a more positive long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - The standard in the industry is now monocrystalline panels, and for good reason. They have a higher price, but they produce more energy. Many solar panel installers opt for this kind of material.

Your Property - Each property and home has its own unique features. Sloped land, trees, or other barriers may add to the difficulty of the installation. Most solar installers today are able to leverage satellite imagery to assess your home and include these elements in the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Companies offer different pay rates to their employees, which are then shown in the prices consumers pay. Higher wages frequently lead to companies getting better reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The final price of your installation will be affected by local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary by location. Reliable local installers will incorporate these figures into your initial estimates to prevent any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other WA cities

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

Who are the best solar installers in Kent?

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

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.

Kent, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The cost per watt for solar panels in Kent, WA during August of 2024 averages $3.23/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in Kent, WA will roughly cost $11,305.

  • In Washington, you have access to 14 rebates and incentives provided by numerous utilities and government organizations. In addition, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost everyone.

  • While paying cash ensures the greatest savings, there are now various financing options for solar panels that are also beneficial. Installers will often provide details on financing partners in the quotes they provide initially.

  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback period in Kent, WA stands at 8 years, yielding average electricity savings of $17,507 over 20 years.
King Manalo
Last Reviewed By: King Manalo
Published: 2024-08-15