Solar Panels Cost 9.0k-18k in Maple Valley, WA | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $9.0k-$18k in Maple Valley, WA | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Maple Valley, WA in 2024?

You'll pay approximately $3.24/W to go solar in Maple Valley, WA in the month of October, 2024.

You should expect to spend $3,240, on average, for every 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of solar energy your panels can generate. In Maple Valley, a 5 kW solar setup will require you to pay, on average, $11,340 after the 30% federal income tax credit. Your electricity use habits might need a larger system.

On the left-hand side, you can choose your county to find out the typical roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels in residences in your area. The following outline, 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.
Maple Valley: $11,340US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Maple Valley: 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.
Maple Valley: $12,905US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Maple Valley

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

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

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

For Maple Valley energy consumers, the typical electric bill is $121.27 per month, with a usage of 870 kWh. Compact apartments are also encompassed in the statistics mentioned in the previous sentence. The lower energy use in these types of residences impacts those averages.

The average electricity rate in Maple Valley, WA in October 2024 is 13.93¢ per kWh.

To satisfy the electricity consumption of a typical consumer in Maple Valley, a solar system of 8 kW or more is necessary. Presently, an 8 kW solar installation will cost you roughly $25,920at first, but thanks to the 30% federal tax credit, you get a 30% reimbursement, lowering the price to $18,144.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Maple Valley

Located below and to the left, there is the cost summary for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems set up in Maple Valley. Bigger solar installations carry a larger expense, yet they also yield greater electricity savings and higher income tax credits.

The solar panel cost calculator, located to the right and below, provides a breakdown of costs and benefits using an average $121.27 electric bill for Maple Valley. If you prefer more customized results, just modify the $121.27 to whatever your average electricity bill is.

System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $832 a year
Est. Price
$9,072
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
$11,340
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
$13,608
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,916 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $104
  • Full payback in 9 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
$15,876
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
$18,144
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 11,888 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $121
  • Full payback in 12 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

Maple Valley 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. If you believe yourself eligible, we recommend using our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm your qualification.

Most residents can take advantage of a 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, which makes it a feasible option in various areas of the United States. In addition, numerous state and local programs work to further encourage the adoption of solar power.

Different utilities and government organizations in Washington have 14 solar rebate and incentive programs.

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 intend to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a good investment in Maple Valley. Over a 20 year period, a 5 kW solar system in Maple Valley, WA could save you approximately $17,764.8, with the average break even time being 8 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Maple Valley, WA

Besides missing out on the previously mentioned savings, not having solar panels or any backup energy system leaves you totally reliant on your electric utility for power. As demonstrated by recent news, total dependence on your utility isn't always the most favorable situation.

Lately, utilities in Maple Valley have reported an average of 1.09 outages per customer annually. On average, each outage lasts for 196 minutes. Major events like tornadoes, equipment failure, or wildlife damage can considerably extend these durations.

Regardless of whether a backup battery is there or not, a solar panel system could reduce the pressure of potential future outages.

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 Maple Valley, WA?

Your Energy Needs - Even though larger solar panel systems have a higher initial cost, the cost per watt declines. Many consumers find it advantageous to install a system that can generate enough electricity to offset the entirety of their electric bill. This math makes the most sense for optimal savings.

Make & Model - Just like any other product, solar panels and mounting equipment are available in a variety of makes and models. The potential brand preferences of your chosen installer make it crucial to pick a recommended contractor. Opting for better quality equipment usually provides a more satisfying long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have become the industry standard, and for good reason. They are costlier but generate more energy. Most professionals in solar installation work with panels crafted from this material.

Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors such as trees, sloping terrain, or additional considerations can make the installation more challenging. Using satellite images, most solar installers these days can evaluate your home and incorporate these considerations into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Various wages are paid to employees by various companies, and these expenses are transferred to the consumers. Businesses paying higher wages typically get better reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Depending on the area, local permitting and utility interconnection fees will influence the cost of your installation. Reliable local installers will build these figures into your first estimates to eliminate any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other WA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Maple Valley?

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.

Maple Valley, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Maple Valley, WA as of October, 2024 is $3.24/W. For a 5 kW solar panel system, the total cost in Maple Valley, WA after federal tax credits is around $11,340.

  • At present, there are 14 rebates and incentives available to Washington residents from various utility and government programs. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • While cash payments offer the most savings, there are now many financing options for solar panels that are also advantageous. Information about financing options is typically detailed in initial quotes provided by installers.

  • Yes, homeowners in Maple Valley, WA generally see a payback time of 8 years for 5 kW solar panel systems, with electricity savings averaging $17,764.8 over a 20-year period.
Ginalyn Gelera
Last Reviewed By: Ginalyn Gelera
Published: 2024-10-01