Solar Panels Cost 6.9k-16k in Seattle, WA | December, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $6.9k-$16k in Seattle, WA | December, 2024

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

In Seattle, WA, the cost per watt of solar panel installations is around $3.32 per watt in December, 2024.

Based on this rate per watt, you can conclude that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) of solar generation capacity will require an investment of $3,320 for installation. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar setup in Seattle will cost you $11,620. Remember that a bigger system could be required to fulfill your energy demands.

On the left-hand side, you can select your county to view the average roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels in residences in your area. Outlined below are 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.
Seattle: $11,620US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Seattle: 13 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Seattle: $891US Average: $16,152

Solar Potential in Seattle

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

Roof size 644sq. ft.
Capacity 9kW DC
Electricity 8.8kkWh AC per yr.

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

Seattle residents typically have an average monthly electric bill of $72.88 per month, with a typical usage of 625 kWh. Smaller homes, such as apartments, are also covered in the numbers mentioned in the prior sentence.

Seattle, WA's electricity rate is 11.66¢ per kWh in December 2024.

Typical electricity users in Seattle need a solar panel system of 7 kW or more to take care of their full power demands. Upfront, a 7 kWsolar panel installation costs around $23,240, after the 30% federal tax credit, the final cost is $16,268.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Seattle

To the left, we present a comprehensive pricing details for different solar panel system sizes installed in Seattle. Although a more extensive solar installation has a greater cost, it also yields increased electricity savings and higher income tax credits.

The solar panel calculator, located below and to the right, offers a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on a typical $72.88 electric bill for Seattle. Just change the $72.88 to your typical electricity bill for more precise results.

System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $417 a year
Est. Price
$6,972
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 3,479 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $35
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.67 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 31 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 1,661 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $557 a year
Est. Price
$9,296
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,639 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $46
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.89 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 41 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,215 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $696 a year
Est. Price
$11,620
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,798 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $58
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.12 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 51 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,769 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $835 a year
Est. Price
$13,944
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,958 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $70
  • Full payback in 16 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.34 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 62 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,323 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $974 a year
Est. Price
$16,268
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,118 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $73
  • Full payback in 19 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.41 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 65 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,486 mi less a year

Seattle Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

If you run a small business or farm in a rural area, you could receive REAP Grant support that covers 80% to 100% of your solar or wind turbine installation costs. If you believe you might be eligible, we suggest using our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify your qualification.

For those considering residential solar, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost all homeowners, which makes solar power a good investment in various parts of the country. Additionally, numerous state and local programs aim to further promote the adoption of solar power.

Washington residents have access to 15 solar rebate and incentive programs from multiple utilities and governmental 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.

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 Washington?

For homeowners in Seattle planning to stay beyond the payback period of their solar system, solar panels are the clear choice. Over a 20 year period, a 5 kW solar system in Seattle, WA could save you approximately $5,871.2, with the average break even time being 13 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Seattle, WA

Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the savings highlighted previously and rely entirely on your electric utility for electricity. Recent media coverage has made it clear that relying solely on your utility isn't always the best idea.

In recent times, the average number of utility outages per customer annually in Seattle has been about 0.85. On average, an outage lasts 131.35 minutes. Major events such as overloaded power grids, landslides or construction accidents can significantly extend these time frames.

Even without a backup battery, a solar panel system can reduce the pressure of future outages you may encounter.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in King County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - Although the initial cost is higher, the cost per watt declines with larger solar panel systems. Homeowners often find that installing a solar system that can cover their entire electric bill is advantageous, ensuring maximum savings.

Make & Model - There are a range of makes and models of solar panels and mounting equipment. Selecting an installer with specific brand preferences means it's even more vital important to go with a highly rated company. The selection of better materials can substantially improve the long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - It's clear why monocrystalline panels are now the go-to choice in the industry. Even though they are more expensive, they provide more energy. Many installers work with panels made from this material.

Your Property - Each home and property is unique in its own way. Uneven ground, trees, or additional challenges may complicate the installation. Today, the majority of solar installers can assess your home with satellite images and factor in these elements in the preliminary cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The costs related to the varying wages offered by companies to their employees are borne by the consumers. Frequently, businesses paying more in wages also enjoy higher ratings for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The fees for local permitting and utility interconnection, which vary by area, will affect the cost of your installation. Reliable local installers will integrate these figures into your first 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 Seattle?

A&R Solar

Seattle, WA(206) 707-9937

Services

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

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

Core Development Group

(201) 825-2195

Services

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

Solgen Power

Pasco, WA(855) 709-1181

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

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.

Dividend Finance

Cincinnati, OH(415) 805-7000

Services

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

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

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

Forecast Solar

Everett, WA(425) 487-6000

Services

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

Whidbey Sun and Wind

(360) 678-7131

Services

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

Entegrity

Little Rock, AR(800) 700-1414

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Northwest Electric & Solar

Kenmore, WA(206) 356-0601

Services

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

Puget Sound Solar

Seattle, WA(206) 706-1931

Services

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

LightEdison

Denver, CO(888) 966-6377

Services

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

Pure Power Systems

Hoboken, NJ(201) 687-9975

Services

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

Seattle, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The average solar panel cost in Seattle, WA as of December, 2024 is estimated at $3.32/W. After federal tax credits, the installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Seattle, WA is estimated to cost $11,620.

  • Utilities and government agencies in Washington are currently offering 15 different rebates and incentives. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Paying cash will result in the most savings, but currently there are multiple options for financing solar panels that make great money sense as well. Financing options from installers will often be specified in your initial quotes.

  • Yes, homeowners in Seattle, WA generally see a payback time of 13 years for 5 kW solar panel systems, with electricity savings averaging $5,871.2 over a 20-year period.
Ginalyn Gelera
Last Reviewed By: Ginalyn Gelera
Published: 2024-12-11