Solar Panels Cost 2.3k-11k in Shoreline, WA | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $2.3k-$11k in Shoreline, WA | October, 2024

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

To have a solar system averages out to $3.36 per watt in Shoreline, WA in the month of October, 2024.

According to this price per watt, we can come to the conclusion that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) your solar system can produce, you will need to invest $3,360 for its installation. When you deduct the 30% federal tax credit, you will pay about $11,760 for a 5 kW solar panel install in Shoreline. It's important to note that a more extensive system could be needed to meet your energy requirements.

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.
Shoreline: $11,760US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Shoreline: 12 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Shoreline: $2,611US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Shoreline

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

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

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

For Shoreline energy consumers, the typical electric bill is $80.88 per month, with a usage of 600 kWh. These figures incorporate apartments and other smaller residences with lower energy consumption.

In October 2024, Shoreline, WA's mean electricity rate amounts to 13.48¢ per kWh.

If you’re an average electricity consumer in Shoreline you must have a 5 kW or more sized system to cover your entire electricity usage needs. Upfront, a 5 kW solar installation is around $16,800, with the federal tax credit returning 30% of your investment amount, lowering the cost to $11,760.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Shoreline

To your left, we have provided a full pricing details for the multiple solar panel system sizes installed in Shoreline. Naturally, with a larger solar system, there will be a larger initial investment, but the advantages consist of greater energy savings and greater income tax credits.

View a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator below and to the right, for an average electric bill of $80.88 in Shoreline. Adjust the $80.88 to your average electricity bill payment for customized results.

System Size 1kW
Roof Size Min. space required
72 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $193 a year
Est. Price
$2,352
Savings from a 1kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 1,486 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $16
  • Full payback in 2 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.27 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 13 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 680 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $386 a year
Est. Price
$4,704
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 2,972 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $32
  • Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.55 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 25 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 1,360 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $580 a year
Est. Price
$7,056
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,458 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $48
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.82 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 38 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,039 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $773 a year
Est. Price
$9,408
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,944 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $64
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.1 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 50 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,719 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $966 a year
Est. Price
$11,760
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,430 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $80
  • Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.37 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 63 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,399 mi less a year

Shoreline Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

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 14 solar rebate and incentive initiatives.

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?

For those in Shoreline intending to stay in their homes past the payback period of their solar system, solar panels make good sense. A 5 kW solar system in Shoreline, WA could potentially save you $7,651.2 over the course of 20 years, with the break even point typically at 12 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Shoreline, 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.

Each year, utility customers in Shoreline have encountered an average of 0.63 outages per year. Usually, outages have an average duration of 101.2 minutes. However, during critical events like equipment failure, earthquakes or construction accidents, these times can extend dramatically.

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 King County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Shoreline, 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 WA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Shoreline?

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

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

SunVest Solar

Pewaukee, WI(262) 547-1200

Services

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

Solgen Power

Pasco, WA(855) 220-0778

Services

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

Elemental Energy

Portland, OR(503) 967-5786

Services

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

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.
  • 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

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

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.

Sunergy Systems

Seattle, WA(206) 279-0493

Services

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

Shoreline, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of October, 2024, the typical cost for solar panels in Shoreline, WA is $3.36/W. After federal tax credits, the installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Shoreline, WA is estimated to cost $11,760.

  • If you live in Washington, you can find 14 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, on average, 5 kW solar panels in Shoreline, WA pay for themselves in 12 years, with homeowners saving approximately $7,651.2 on electricity over 20 years.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-10-01