Solar Panels Cost 9.8k-19k in South Cle Elum, WA | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $9.8k-$19k in South Cle Elum, WA | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in South Cle Elum, WA in 2024?

To go solar in South Cle Elum, WA averages out to $3.53 per watt in the month of October, 2024.

According to the price, we can come to the conclusion that for every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar system can generate, you will have to spend, on average, $3,530 for installation. When you deduct the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar installation in South Cle Elum will cost approximately $12,355. However, please keep in mind that a more powerful system might be necessary to fulfill your energy needs.

On the left side, choose your county to see the average roof size and the maximum capacity of residential solar for homes in your area. Find below a complete summary of the {price|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.
South Cle Elum: $12,355US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
South Cle Elum: 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.
South Cle Elum: $11,455US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in South Cle Elum

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
South Cle Elum.

Roof size 822sq. ft.
Capacity 11.5kW DC
Electricity 14.2kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in South Cle Elum, WA & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

The typical monthly electric bill for South Cle Elum residents is $121.27, with a typical usage of 870 kWh. It’s worth noting that this statistic accounts for apartments and smaller homes, which typically require less energy consumption.

The average rate for electricity in South Cle Elum, WA in October, 2024 is 13.93¢ per kWh.

The typical energy user in South Cle Elum requires an 8 kW or more solar setup to take care of their entire power demands. The cost of a an 8 kW solar installation is approximately $28,240 upfront, but the federal tax credit offers a 30% credit, lowering your final cost to $19,768.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in South Cle Elum

Shown on the left side, is a thorough cost summary of the various sizes of solar panel systems installed in South Cle Elum. Larger solar installations have a greater cost, yet they also provide higher electricity savings and larger income tax credits.

Using the solar panel cost calculator positioned below and to the right, you can view a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on an average electric bill of $121.27 in South Cle Elum. Modify the $121.27 to your typical bill payment for personalized results.

System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $832 a year
Est. Price
$9,884
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,944 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $69
  • Full payback in 7 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.79 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 36 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 1,960 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,040 a year
Est. Price
$12,355
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,430 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $87
  • Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.99 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 45 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,450 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,248 a year
Est. Price
$14,826
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,916 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $104
  • Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.19 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 55 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,940 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,456 a year
Est. Price
$17,297
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,402 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $121
  • Full payback in 12 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 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,664 a year
Est. Price
$19,768
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 11,888 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $121
  • Full payback in 14 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

South Cle Elum Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

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

When it comes to residential solar, most people can take advantage of the 30% federal income tax credit, which makes solar a practical option in most regions of the nation. Furthermore, a range of state and local programs are available to promote solar adoption.

Washington residents have access to 14 solar rebate and incentive programs from different utilities and governmental bodies.

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 South Cle Elum planning to stay in their homes past the payback period of their solar system, solar panels make excellent sense. If you install a 5 kW solar system in South Cle Elum, WA, you might save $16,749.8 over 20 years on average, with a break even point at approximately 8 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in South Cle Elum, WA

The lack of solar panels or another energy backup means you'll forgo the earlier mentioned savings and be completely reliant on your electric utility for power. The news has recently proven that full dependence on your utility provider is not always ideal.

On average, customers in South Cle Elum have experienced 1.09 utility outages per year over the past few years. Typically, outages have an average duration of 196 minutes. However, during significant events such as landslides, construction accidents, or overloaded power grids, these times can drastically increase.

A solar energy system, whether or not it has a backup battery, could reduce the effects of any future power interruptions you might face.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Kittitas County.

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Customers Out:

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in South Cle Elum, WA?

Your Energy Needs - Though the initial cost of larger solar panel systems is larger, the price per watt diminishes as the system gets larger. It is often advantageous for individuals to set up a solar system that can generate enough electricity to completely replace their electric bill, which ensures substantial savings.

Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment are available in a range of makes and models. Given the certain brand preferences an installer might have, picking a recommended company is critical. The employment of high-quality equipment is probably will provide a more satisfactory long-term experience for buyers.

Solar Panel Type - It's obvious why monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. Although they are pricier, they deliver increased energy. Many installers utilize panels constructed of this material.

Your Property - Each property and home has its own unique features. Uneven landscapes, trees, or additional challenges may add to the difficulty of the installation. Nowadays, the most solar installers can evaluate your home with satellite images and factor in these elements in the initial cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The pay employees get from their employers vary, and these costs are transferred to the consumers. Higher reviews for work and customer service are generally associated with businesses that pay higher wages.

Permitting & Interconnection - Your installation cost will be impacted by area-specific permitting and utility interconnection fees. Reputable local installers will include these figures in your first estimates to ensure transparency.

See what solar panels cost in other WA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in South Cle Elum?

A&R Solar

Seattle, WA(206) 707-9937

Services

  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Douglass Colony Group

Commerce City, CO(877) 288-0650

Services

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

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

Whidbey Sun & Wind

Coupeville, WA(360) 678-7131

Services

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

Columbia Basin Solar

Pasco, WA(509) 521-2363

Services

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

Northwest Renewables

Spokane, WA(509) 443-4526

Services

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

South Cle Elum, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As recorded in October, 2024, the standard cost for solar panel installations in South Cle Elum, WA is $3.53/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in South Cle Elum, WA will roughly cost $12,355.

  • There are 14 rebates and incentives available in Washington from a range of utility providers and government organizations. Moreover, nearly everyone is eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.

  • Paying cash will result in the most savings, but these days there are several options for financing solar panels that are cost-effective as well. Installers typically partner with financing companies and will include this information into your initial quotes.

  • Yes, in South Cle Elum, WA, 5 kW solar panel systems typically pay off in 8 years, and users save around $16,749.8 in electricity costs over 20 years.
Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2024-10-01