Solar Panels Cost 11k-21k in Orchards CDP, WA | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $11k-$21k in Orchards CDP, WA | October, 2024

High Power Bills?

Reduce or replace your electricity bill with solar

How much do solar panels cost in Orchards CDP, WA in 2024?

As of October, 2024, the typical price to get solar panels in Orchards CDP, WA is $3.38/W.

Said another way, solar panel installations will cost you $3,380 per 1000 watts (1 kW) of production capacity. On average, the price for a 5 kW panel install in Orchards CDP, after a 30% federal tax credit, is $11,830. Be advised that a larger system could be needed to fulfill your energy demands.

To the left, you can choose your county to find the average roof size and the maximum capacity of solar panel systems for houses in your area. Below is a full breakdown of 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.
Orchards CDP: $11,830US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Orchards CDP: 10 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Orchards CDP: $6,848US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Orchards CDP

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

Roof size 876sq. ft.
Capacity 12.25kW DC
Electricity 12kkWh AC per yr.

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

For Orchards CDP energy consumers, the average electric bill is $98.95 per month, with a usage of 1,019 kWh. Small homes, such as bungalows and apartments, are also included in the statistics mentioned in the former sentence.

In October 2024, the mean electricity rate in Orchards CDP, WA amounts to 9.71¢ per kWh.

In Orchards CDP, a typical electricity consumer's needs will usually be completely accounted for by a solar system of 9 kW or larger. The estimated cost for a 9 kW solar panel installation will be $30,420 upfront, but after a 30% federal tax credit, the price is $21,294.

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Orchards CDP

On your left, we have displayed a detailed cost analysis for various solar panel system sizes set up in Orchards CDP. A larger solar array will obviously cost more, but it will also offer more significant electricity savings and higher income tax credits.

The calculator to the right and below gives a detailed summary of solar panel costs and benefits, based on an average electric bill of $98.95 in Orchards CDP. By changing the $98.95 to your typical electricity bill, you can get tailored results.

System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $743 a year
Est. Price
$11,830
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,430 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $62
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.86 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 40 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,139 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $892 a year
Est. Price
$14,196
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,916 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $74
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.04 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 48 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,567 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,040 a year
Est. Price
$16,562
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,402 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $87
  • Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.21 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 56 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,995 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,189 a year
Est. Price
$18,928
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 11,888 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $99
  • Full payback in 16 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 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,337 a year
Est. Price
$21,294
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 13,374 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $99
  • Full payback in 18 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

Orchards CDP Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The REAP Grant can potentially cover between 80% and 100% of the installation costs for photovoltaic or wind turbines for rural small businesses and farmlands. Curious if you are eligible? Our REAP Grant eligibility tool can help you verify.

Due to the 30% federal income tax credit, residential solar installations are affordable for most people, rendering solar power a practical investment throughout various states. In addition to the federal incentives, state and local programs also seek to boost solar energy uptake.

There are 14 solar incentive and rebate initiatives in Washington, provided by different utilities and governmental organizations.

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 intend to live in your home beyond the time it takes to recoup your solar investment, adding solar panels in Orchards CDP is an excellent decision. Over a 20 year period, a 5 kW solar system in Orchards CDP, WA could save you around $11,918, with the average break even time being 10 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Orchards CDP, WA

Without solar panels or another energy backup source, you miss out on the savings highlighted earlier and are entirely dependent on your electric utility for power. Complete reliance on your utility provider is not always ideal, as recent examples in the news have shown.

Customers in Orchards CDP have encountered around 1.04 outages per year on average. On average, the length of an outage is 51.8 minutes. Major events like tornadoes, equipment failure, or wildlife damage can cause these durations to rise considerably.

A solar panel system with (or without) a backup battery could relieve the stress of future outages you experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Clark County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.

What impacts the cost of solar panels in Orchards CDP, WA?

Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems, even if the upfront cost is larger. For most homeowners, installing a system that can make enough power to fully offset their entire electric bill is advantageous, providing significant savings.

Make & Model - There are a variety of makes and models of solar panels. Your installer’s potential brand preferences make it essential to choose a recommended company. The selection of better makes and models can substantially improve the long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - It's clear why monocrystalline panels are now the preferred option in the industry. They are pricier but generate more energy. Many professionals in solar installation use panels made from this material.

Your Property - Each home and property is unique in its own way. Trees, uneven land, or additional hurdles may complicate the installation. Most solar installers today are able to utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and factor in these elements in the initial cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The pay that various companies offer their employees differ, and these costs are borne by the consumers. Businesses frequently get higher reviews for their work and customer service when they pay better wages.

Permitting & Interconnection - The local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary by region, will affect your final installation price. Quality local installers will include these figures in your first estimates to guarantee transparency.

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 Orchards CDP?

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

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

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

Puget Sound Solar

Seattle, WA(206) 706-1931

Services

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

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.

Orchards CDP, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The cost per watt for solar panels in Orchards CDP, WA during October of 2024 averages $3.38/W. For a 5 kW solar panel system, the total cost in Orchards CDP, WA after federal tax credits is around $11,830.
  • As of now, there are 14 rebates and incentives offered by various utilities and government entities in Washington. In addition, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost everyone.
  • Even though paying cash offers the most savings, there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that also make financial sense. Installers will often provide details on financing partners in the quotes they provide initially.
  • Yes, in Orchards CDP, WA, 5 kW solar panel systems usually pay off in 10 years, providing an average electricity cost savings of $11,918 over a 20-year period.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-10-01