Solar Panels Cost $13k-$22k in Pierce County, WA | August, 2025
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How much do solar panels cost in Pierce County, WA in 2025?
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In Pierce County, WA in August, 2025 you will spend about $3.22/W to get a solar system.
Utilizing this price per watt, you can conclude that for every 1000 watts (1 kW) of solar power capacounty will require an investment of $3,220 for installation. When you deduct the 30% federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar installation in Pierce County typically comes out to around $11,270. Please note that a more powerful system may be necessary to satisfy your energy demands.
To the left,select your area to see the typical roof size and the average maximum capacity of solar panels for homes in your county. Below is a summary 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.
Pierce County: $11,270US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Pierce County: 7 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Pierce County: $14,831US Average: $17,429
Solar Potential in Pierce County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Pierce County.
Roof size 733sq. ft.
Capacity 10.25kW DC
Electricity 9.8kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Pierce County, WA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
The monthly kWh usage for a Pierce County energy consumer is 946, with an average electric bill of 128.88. These figures also encompasse apartments and other smaller homes with lower energy needs.
In August 2025, Pierce County, WA's mean electricity rate is 13.62¢ per kWh.
Before any incentives, a 10 kW solar installation costs around $32,200, with a 30% tax credit, this drops to $22,540.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Pierce County
Displayed on the left side, you'll see a detailed pricing structure of the various sizes of solar panel systems installed in Pierce County. The initial cost for bigger solar systems is higher, but they also offer higher electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
Check the solar panel cost calculator to the right and below to see the cost and benefit details calculated from an average $128.88 electric bill in Pierce County. Personalized results can be achieved by changing the $128.88 to your typical bill amount.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $973 a year
Est. Price
$13,524
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,950 kWh
Est. monthly savings $81
Full payback in 9 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.82 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 38 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 2,036 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,135 a year
Est. Price
$15,778
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,108 kWh
Est. monthly savings $95
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.96 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 44 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 2,375 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,297 a year
Est. Price
$18,032
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 9,266 kWh
Est. monthly savings $108
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.1 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 50 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 2,714 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,459 a year
Est. Price
$20,286
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,424 kWh
Est. monthly savings $122
Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.23 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 57 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,053 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,622 a year
Est. Price
$22,540
Savings from a 10kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,583 kWh
Est. monthly savings $129
Full payback in 15 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.31 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 60 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,239 mi less a year
Pierce County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2025
Rural farmers and small business owners could have between 80% and 100% of their photovoltaic or wind turbine installation expenses covered by the REAP Grant. If you believe you might qualify, we suggest utilizing our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify.
The federal government offers a 30% tax credit for residential solar systems, which makes solar appealing and feasible for a variety of homeowners. A variety of state and local incentives are available to support the use of solar energy.
Different utilities and government entities in Washington provide 15 solar rebate and incentive initiatives.
Solar incentives in WAIncentive Description Value
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.
Seattle City - Solar Permit Requirements
Value:Varies
Seattle's zoning laws and local ordinances contain special provisions and accommodations for solar energy within city limits. All new solar projects are required to obtain electrical permits, but may not need building permits if the total system weight is less than 1,000 pounds or the system does not require alterations/stand-alone structure of more than $4,000. Setback requirements prohibit systems from being located in a front yard. However, solar panels may extend up to four feet from the normal height limit for the zone. A central guide is available from the city website detailing all applicable regulations and process flows.
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 Pierce County, WA?
For homeowners in Pierce County intending to stay beyond the payback period of their solar system, solar panels are the best choice. With a 5 kW solar system in Pierce County, WA, the average savings over a 20 period is $19,661.2, with break even generally occurring at 7 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Pierce County, WA
Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the savings highlighted previously and are entirely on your electric utility for electricity. Full reliance on your utility provider is not always ideal, as recent examples in the news have highlighted.
On average, customers in Pierce County have encountered 0.86 utility outages per year in recent times. Usually, outages have an average duration of 109.39 minutes. However, during critical events like wildlife damage, aging infrastructure or lightning strikes, these times can extend dramatically.
Take a look at the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Pierce County.
Whether or not it includes a backup battery, a solar panel system could mitigate the effects of future power interruptions you might experience.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Pierce County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Pierce County, WA?
Your Energy Needs - Investing in larger solar panel systems costs more upfront, but the price per watt is lowered as the system size increases. It is often beneficial for individuals to set up a solar system that can make enough electricity to fully cover their electric bill, which results in substantial savings.
Make & Model - Similar to other products, solar panels and mounting equipment are offered in a wide variety of makes and models. The installer’s preference for system makes it essential to choose a reputable installer. Investing in superior quality makes and models can result in a much better long-term experience for the buyer.
Solar Panel Type - For valid reasons, monocrystalline panels have emerged as the standard in the industry. Although the cost is more, they yield more energy. The majority of installers use these types of panels.
Your Property - Each property and residence is unique. Issues like trees, uneven landscapes, or other impediments may add to the complexity of the installation. Using satellite images, solar installers these days can assess your home and factor in these considerations into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Differences in employee wages across companies lead to expenses that are borne by the consumers. Companies that invest in higher wages usually see higher reviews for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Your installation cost will be affected by area-specific permitting and utility interconnection fees. Good local installers will incorporate these figures into your first estimates to avoid any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Pierce County cities
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Pierce County, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs
The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Pierce County, WA as of August, 2025 is $3.22/W. For a 5 kW solar panel system, the total cost in Pierce County, WA after federal tax credits is around $11,270.
If you live in Washington, you can find 15 rebates and incentives through different utilities and government agencies. Moreover, the 30% federal tax credit is accessible to nearly everyone.
Cash payments yield the highest savings, yet several financing options now available for solar panels are financially beneficial as well. Financing options are frequently available through installers and will be detailed in your initial quotes.
Yes, homeowners in Pierce County, WA can expect 5 kW solar panels to pay off in 7 years, with an estimated $19,661.2 in electricity savings during a 20-year span.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
