Solar Panels Cost 20k-30k in Richland, WA | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $20k-$30k in Richland, WA | October, 2024

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

As of October, 2024, the current price to have solar panels installed in Richland, WA is $3.63/W.

Utilizing this rate, expect the price to be $3,630, on average, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) of solar energy your solar system can produce. In Richland, the price of a 5 kW solar system is generally $12,705, after you subtract 30% federal tax credit. However, keep in mind that you might need a more powerful system to adequately cover your energy requirements.

To your left, you have the option to choose your county and find the average roof size along with the average maximum capacity for solar panel installations on homes in your area. Displayed below is a breakdown of the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Richland: $12,705US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Richland: 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.
Richland: $14,968US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Richland

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

Roof size 787sq. ft.
Capacity 11kW DC
Electricity 13.9kkWh AC per yr.

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

The typical monthly electric bill for Richland residents is $137.99, with a typical usage of 1,373 kWh. These numbers cover apartments and other smaller housing units, which tend to have reduced energy needs.

The average rate for electricity in Richland, WA during October, 2024 is 10.05¢ per kWh.

In Richland, a system size of 12 kW or larger is a must for the typical energy user to satisfy all of their power needs. Currently, a 12 kW solar panel system is priced at around $30,492 after incentives.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Richland

To the left and below, you'll find the cost breakdown for different sizes of the solar panel systems set up in Richland. When you opt for a more extensive solar system, the cost is higher, but it also leads to more significant electricity savings and a larger income tax credit.

The calculator below and to the right gives a detailed summary of solar panel costs and benefits, based on an average electric bill of $137.99 in Richland. To get customized results, just adjust the $137.99to reflect your usual electricity bill amount.

System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,189 a year
Est. Price
$20,328
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 11,888 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $99
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.99 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 46 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,455 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,337 a year
Est. Price
$22,869
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 13,374 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $111
  • Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.12 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 51 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,762 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,486 a year
Est. Price
$25,410
Savings from a 10kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 14,860 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $124
  • Full payback in 15 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.24 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 57 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,069 mi less a year
System Size 11kW
Roof Size Min. space required
787 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,635 a year
Est. Price
$27,951
Savings from a 11kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 16,346 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $136
  • Full payback in 17 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.36 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 63 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,376 mi less a year
System Size 12kW
Roof Size Min. space required
858 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,783 a year
Est. Price
$30,492
Savings from a 12kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 17,832 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $138
  • 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

Richland Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The financial burden of installing photovoltaic or wind turbines for rural farmlands and small businesses could be eased with the REAP Grant, covering 80% to 100% of the costs. Wondering if you fit this category? Verify your eligibility with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

With the 30% federal income tax credit, almost everyone can benefit from residential solar, which makes it a logical option in many regions in the United States. Together with federal efforts, state and local programs help to encourage the use of solar power.

Washington provides 14 solar rebates and incentives from multiple utility companies 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?

When you plan to live in your home beyond the payback period of your solar system, solar panels are an obvious choice in Richland. With a 5 kW solar system in Richland, WA, the average savings over a 20 period is $20,412.6, with break even generally occurring at 8 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Richland, WA

The absence of solar panels or another backup power source results in missing out on the aforementioned savings and full dependence on your electric utility for power. Several recent examples in the news have shown that full reliance on your utility company is not always ideal.

Over the past few years, customers in Richland have experienced an average of 0.42 utility outages each year. On average, each outage lasts for 37.13 minutes. Major events like grid management errors, thunderstorms or planned maintenance can considerably extend these durations.

A solar energy system, whether it includes a backup battery or not, could help relieve the burden of future power outages you may encounter.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Benton County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - The price per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems, even though the upfront cost is greater. Most homeowners see the advantage in installing a solar setup that can generate enough power to replace their entire electric bill, ensuring significant savings.

Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment are offered in a wide variety of makes and models. The brand preferences of your chosen installer can make it essential to choose a reputable company. Selecting superior quality models generally provides a more favorable long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - It's clear why monocrystalline panels are now the go-to choice in the industry. Although they are costlier, they generate increased energy. Many installers use panels constructed of this material.

Your Property - Uneven land, trees, or other challenges can increase the complexity of the installation. Nowadays, satellite images allow many solar installers to assess your home and incorporate these elements into the first cost estimate.

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

Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of installation will vary depending on local permitting and utility interconnection fees. Quality installers will factor these costs into your preliminary quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.

See what solar panels cost in other WA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Richland?

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

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

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

Elemental Energy

Portland, OR(503) 967-5786

Services

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

Whidbey Sun & Wind

Coupeville, WA(360) 678-7131

Services

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

Columbia Basin Solar

Pasco, WA(509) 521-2363

Services

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

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.

Northwest Renewables

Spokane, WA(509) 443-4526

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

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

Whidbey Sun and Wind

Coupeville, WA(360) 678-7131

Services

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

Solora Solar

Issaquah, WA(425) 366-8953

Services

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

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

  • 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.

Richland, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • In October, 2024, the typical price per watt for solar panels in Richland, WA is $3.63/W. Installing a 5 kW solar panel system in Richland, WA will cost approximately $12,705 after applying the federal tax credit.

  • Utilities and government agencies in Washington are currently offering 14 different rebates and incentives. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Paying cash offers the most savings, but there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that are also advantageous. Information about financing options will often be included in your preliminary quotes by many installers.

  • Yes, homeowners in Richland, WA generally see a payback time of 8 years for 5 kW solar panel systems, with electricity savings averaging $20,412.6 over a 20-year period.
King Manalo
Last Reviewed By: King Manalo
Published: 2024-10-01