Solar Panels Cost 9.2k-18k in Mill Creek, WA | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $9.2k-$18k in Mill Creek, WA | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Mill Creek, WA in 2024?

The typical price per watt for solar systems in Mill Creek, WA in October, 2024 is $3.32/W.

Utilizing this price per watt, you are able to come to the conclusion that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) your solar system can produce, you will have to spend, on average, $3,320 for its installation. In Mill Creek, after the 30% federal income tax credit, a 5 kW solar system sets you back $11,620. It's important to take into account that a more powerful system might be needed to meet your energy demands.

Use the left-hand menu to choose your area and find out the average roof size and the maximum production capacity for solar panel systems on homes in your county. Additionally, you can also see an analysis of the price, payback period and 20 year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county below.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Mill Creek: $11,620US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Mill Creek: 9 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Mill Creek: $8,269US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Mill Creek

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

Roof size 715sq. ft.
Capacity 10kW DC
Electricity 9.4kkWh AC per yr.

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

For people living in Mill Creek, the average monthly electricity consumption is 935 kWh, with bills around $103.62. Smaller dwellings, such as townhouses and condos, are also included in the figures mentioned in the prior sentence.

In October 2024, Mill Creek, WA's average electricity rate amounts to 11.08¢ per kWh.

If you’re an average energy consumer in Mill Creek, you probably will need a solar panel system sized at 8 kW or more to cover your electricity needs. Right now, an 8 kW setup will have an upfront cost of about $26,560, but the 30% tax credit lowers the cost to $18,592.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Mill Creek

On the left side below, the pricing details for different sizes of solar panel systems set up in Mill Creek is shown. When you opt for a bigger solar system, the cost is larger, but it also results in higher electricity savings and a larger income tax credit.

The solar panel cost calculator, positioned to the right and below, gives a breakdown of costs and benefits using an average $103.62 electric bill for Mill Creek. Just change the $103.62 to your typical electricity bill for more accurate results.

System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $654 a year
Est. Price
$9,296
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,944 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $54
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.72 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 33 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 1,792 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $817 a year
Est. Price
$11,620
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,430 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $68
  • Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.9 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 42 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,240 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $981 a year
Est. Price
$13,944
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,916 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $82
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.09 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 50 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,688 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,144 a year
Est. Price
$16,268
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,402 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $95
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.27 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 58 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,136 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,308 a year
Est. Price
$18,592
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 11,888 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $104
  • Full payback in 15 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

Mill Creek Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The financial burden of installing solar or wind turbines for rural agricultural enterprises and small businesses could be eased with the REAP Grant, covering 80% to 100% of the costs. If you feel you might be eligible, try our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify your qualification.

For those looking into residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is accessible to nearly everyone, making solar a feasible option in various states. Furthermore, a variety of state and local programs are available to incentivize solar adoption.

There are 14 solar rebate and incentive programs currently offered in Washington by multiple utilities and government 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?

For homeowners in Mill Creek who intend to stay in their residence beyond the solar payback period, solar panels make an smart investment. By installing a 5 kW solar system in Mill Creek, WA, you can expect to save roughly $13,248.8 over 20 years, with the break even point typically being 9 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Mill Creek, WA

Without solar panels or another energy backup source, you miss out on the savings highlighted earlier and are completely dependent on your electric utility for power. Total reliance on your utility is not always ideal, as several recent news reports have highlighted.

Annually, customers in Mill Creek face approximately 1.14 outages each year. The typical duration of each outage is 137.7 minutes. When significant events such as hurricanes, aging infrastructure, or vandalism occur, these time frames can become much longer.

Whether it comes with a backup battery or not, a solar panel system could reduce the burden of any future power interruptions you may encounter.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Snohomish County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Mill Creek, WA?

Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt declines with larger solar panel systems, even if the upfront cost is larger. For most consumers, installing a system that can produce enough power to eliminate their entire electric bill is beneficial, providing significant savings.

Make & Model - There are a variety of makes and models of solar panels. As your contractor may prefer particular brands, it's crucial to choose a highly rated company. Buyers who opt for high-quality materials usually enjoy a superior long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have emerged as the standard in the industry, and for valid reasons. Although the cost is more, they yield more energy. Many installers use these kinds of panels.

Your Property - Factors like trees, uneven land, or additional hurdles may make the installation more challenging. Today, the majority of solar installers can evaluate your home with satellite images and include these considerations in the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The wages that companies give their employees are different, and these expenses are ultimately reflected in consumer prices. It is typical for businesses that provide higher wages to receive better reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The fees for local permitting and utility interconnection, which vary by area, will influence the cost of your installation. Good local installers will integrate these figures into your initial estimates to avoid any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other WA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Mill Creek?

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

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

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

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

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

Dividend Finance

San Francisco, CA(415) 805-7000

Services

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

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

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

Puget Sound Solar

Seattle, WA(206) 706-1931

Services

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

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 solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Barron Heating and AC

Ferndale, WA(360) 676-1131

Services

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

Mill Creek, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • During October, 2024, the average price for solar panel installations in Mill Creek, WA is $3.32/W. After federal tax credits, the installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Mill Creek, WA is estimated to cost $11,620.

  • Currently, Washington residents can benefit from 14 rebates and incentives available through various utilities and government bodies. Furthermore, almost all individuals are entitled to the 30% federal income tax credit.

  • Although paying in cash ensures the most savings, numerous financing options for solar panels now exist that are cost-effective. Your initial quotes will often include information about financing options provided by installers.

  • Yes, in Mill Creek, WA, 5 kW solar panel systems usually pay off in 9 years, providing an average electricity cost savings of $13,248.8 over a 20-year period.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01