Solar Panels Cost 12k-21k in Ridgefield, WA | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $12k-$21k in Ridgefield, WA | October, 2024

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

In Ridgefield, WA, the cost per watt for solar panel installations is about $3.43/W in October, 2024.

Expect to pay $3,430, on average, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) of solar energy your panels will need to produce. In Ridgefield, you will spend around $12,005 for a 5 kW solar panel install once the 30% federal income tax credit is factored in. Be advised that a more powerful system may be necessary to fully meet your energy needs.

Use the menu on the left to pick your county and find out the average roof size and the average maximum capacity for residential solar on residences in your area. Below, you can see a summary of the price, 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.
Ridgefield: $12,005US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Ridgefield: 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.
Ridgefield: $6,598US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Ridgefield

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

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

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

Energy consumers in Ridgefield usually pay $98.95 per month for electricity, consuming an average of 1,019 kWh. Compact residences, such as efficiency studios and apartments, are also included in the figures mentioned in the prior sentence.

In October 2024, the electricity rate in Ridgefield, WA is 9.71¢ per kWh.

To fully meet the energy requirements of an average user in Ridgefield, a solar system of 9 kW or larger is required. The expense for aa 9 kW solar installation is about $30,870 upfront, but with a 30% tax credit, the price decreases to $21,609.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Ridgefield

Shown on the left, you will find a price breakdown for various solar panel system sizes set up in Ridgefield. When you opt for a more extensive solar system, the cost is larger, but it also leads to higher electricity savings and a greater income tax credit.

Using the solar panel cost calculator located down and to the right, you can view a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on an average electric bill of $98.95 in Ridgefield. Modify the $98.95 to your average bill payment for more accurate results.

System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $743 a year
Est. Price
$12,005
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
$14,406
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
$16,807
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
$19,208
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
$21,609
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

Ridgefield Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Between 80% and 100% of your solar or wind turbine installation costs may be covered by the REAP Grant if you own a rural small business or farm. Think you fit this category? Check your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

Homeowners can benefit from a 30% federal income tax credit for adding residential solar panels, making solar power a feasible option across much of the country. Additionally, a number of state and local programs are available to promote solar adoption.

Residents of Washington can access 14 solar rebate and incentive programs from a range of utilities and governmental organizations.

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 your plan is to stay in your home past the time it takes to pay off your solar system, opting for solar panels is a good move in Ridgefield. Over a 20 year period, a 5 kW solar system in Ridgefield, WA could save you around $11,743, with the average break even time being 10 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Ridgefield, WA

Apart from missing out on the savings highlighted earlier, not having solar panels or an alternative backup energy source leaves you fully reliant on your electric utility for electricity. The media has demonstrated several cases where complete reliance on your utility isn't always the best scenario.

Recently, the average number of utility outages per customer annually in Ridgefield has been about 1.04. On average, an outage lasts 51.8 minutes. When major events such as heavy rain and flooding, aging infrastructure, or wildlife damage occur, these durations can increase significantly

Regardless of whether a backup battery is included or not, a solar panel system could reduce the strain of possible future outages.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Clark County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt is reduced with larger solar panel systems, even though the initial cost is higher. A lot of people find it advantageous to set up a solar energy system that can fully cover their entire electric bill. This results in optimal savings.

Make & Model - Similar to many products, solar panels come in a variety of makes and models. The potential system preferences of your contractor mean that it is it's even more vital to select a recommended company. The employment of superior materials is likely to result in a more favorable long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - Monocrystalline panels have secured their spot as the industry standard, and for valid reasons. Even with a higher cost, this technology yield more energy. Most installers opt for panels constructed using this material.

Your Property - Each property and home has its own unique features. Irregular terrain, trees, or additional hindrances may add to the difficulty of the installation. These days, satellite images enable many solar installers to assess your home and include these elements into the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The varying wages that companies offer their employees lead to costs that are ultimately borne by consumers. Businesses paying more to their employees typically receive higher reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Regional differences in permitting and utility interconnection fees will affect your installation cost. Quality local installers will integrate these numbers into your preliminary quotes to avoid any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other WA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Ridgefield?

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.

Ridgefield, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The average solar panel cost in Ridgefield, WA as of October, 2024 is estimated at $3.43/W. In Ridgefield, WA, installing a 5 kW solar panel system will set you back approximately $12,005 after federal tax incentives.

  • In Washington, you have access to 14 rebates and incentives provided by numerous utilities and government organizations. In addition, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost everyone.

  • Although paying in cash offers the most savings, numerous financing options for solar panels now exist that are cost-effective. Many installers have financing partners and will provide this information in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, homeowners in Ridgefield, WA generally see a payback time of 10 years for 5 kW solar panel systems, with electricity savings averaging $11,743 over a 20-year period.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01