Solar Panels Cost 12k-21k in Tacoma, WA | November, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $12k-$21k in Tacoma, WA | November, 2024

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

On average, in Tacoma, WA in the month of November, 2024, the price per watt of solar systems is $3.43/W.

For every 1000 watts (1 kW) your solar system can generate, you will have to spend, on average, $3,430 to have it installed. In Tacoma, a 5 kW panel install will cost you, on average, $12,005 after the 30% federal income tax credit. However, a 5kW system might not be sufficient to meet your energy requirements.

To the left, you have the option to select your county and find out the average roof size along with the average maximum capacity for residential solar in homes in your area. Displayed below is a summary 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.
Tacoma: $12,005US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Tacoma: 11 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Tacoma: $4,716US Average: $16,169

Solar Potential in Tacoma

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

Roof size 733sq. ft.
Capacity 10.25kW DC
Electricity 9.8kkWh AC per yr.

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

The typical electric bill for a Tacoma energy consumer is $91.11, with monthly usage typically at 848 kWh. Bear in mind, this figure encompasses smaller residential units such as apartments, which usually have lower energy needs.

In November 2024, the average electricity rate in Tacoma, WA amounts to 10.74¢ per kWh.

In Tacoma, the average electricity user must have a solar power setup of 9 kW or higher to satisfy their full energy needs. Presently, a 9 kW solar system will be priced at around $30,870upfront, but thanks to the 30% federal tax credit, you receive 30% back, bringing the cost down to $21,609.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Tacoma

Shown on the left side, you will find a comprehensive price breakdown of the different sizes of solar panel systems installed in Tacoma. With bigger solar systems, the price rises, but so do the electricity savings and the income tax credits you can gain.

The cost-benefit analysis for solar panels, shown in the calculator down and to the right, is based on an average electric bill of $91.11 in Tacoma. Swap the $91.11 with your typical electricity bill to get more detailed results.

System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $637 a year
Est. Price
$12,005
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 5,791 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $53
  • Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.29 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 59 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,188 mi less a year
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $764 a year
Est. Price
$14,406
Savings from a 6kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,950 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $64
  • Full payback in 13 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.55 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 71 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,826 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $892 a year
Est. Price
$16,807
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,108 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $74
  • Full payback in 15 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.8 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 83 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 4,463 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,019 a year
Est. Price
$19,208
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,266 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $85
  • Full payback in 18 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.06 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 95 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,101 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,147 a year
Est. Price
$21,609
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,424 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $91
  • Full payback in 20 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.21 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 101 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,465 mi less a year

Tacoma Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Eligible rural small businesses and agricultural operations might have their photovoltaic or wind turbine installation costs covered by the REAP Grant, ranging from 80% to 100%. Believe you fit the criteria? Confirm your eligibility with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

Homeowners can take advantage of a 30% federal income tax credit for setting up residential solar panels, which makes solar power a feasible option in much of the country. Together with federal efforts, state and local programs help to support the use of solar power.

Washington features 14 solar rebate and incentive initiatives provided by multiple utilities and government organizations.

Solar incentives in WA

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 you plan to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a good investment in Tacoma. Over a 20 year time frame, a 5 kW solar system in Tacoma, WA could save you approximately $9,861.4, with the average break even time being 11 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Tacoma, WA

The absence of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means that you forgo the savings mentioned earlier and are wholly reliant on your electric utility for electricity. As shown by numerous recent news reports, complete dependence on your utility is not always ideal.

The average number of outages per customer per year in Tacoma is 0.6. The average length of an outage is 55.16 minutes. However, during significant events such as vandalism, overloaded power grids or hurricanes, this duration can grow considerably.

A solar energy system could reduce the effects of future outages, whether or not it has a backup battery.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Pierce County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - Investing in larger solar panel systems costs more upfront, but the price per watt is decreased as the system size grows. Installing a solar panel system that can cover the electric bill is useful to individuals because of the reduced long-term costs.

Make & Model - Just like other products, solar panels come in a wide variety of makes and models. The system preferences of your chosen installer can make it essential to choose a reputable company. Opting for better quality equipment can provide a much better long-term experience for the buyer.

Solar Panel Type - For valid reasons, monocrystalline panels have become the standard in the industry. They are costlier but provide more energy. Many professionals in solar installation work with panels made from this material.

Your Property - Every home and property differs in its own way. Challenges such as sloping terrain, trees, or other considerations can increase the difficulty of installing solar panels. Solar installers now have the ability to leverage satellite images to evaluate your home and include these considerations in the initial cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The pay employees receive from their employers differ, and these expenses are borne by the consumers. Paying higher wages frequently results in companies receiving better reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Permitting and utility interconnection fees differ locally and will influence your installation cost. Quality local installers will integrate these numbers into your initial 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 Tacoma?

A&R Solar

Seattle, WA(206) 707-9937

Services

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

Douglass Colony Group

Commerce City, CO(877) 288-0650

Services

  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation 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

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

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 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.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.

Dividend Finance

Cincinnati, OH(415) 805-7000

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.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation 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.

Forecast Solar

Everett, WA(425) 487-6000

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.

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

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 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.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.

LightEdison

Denver, CO(888) 966-6377

Services

  • 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.
  • 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.

Tacoma, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • In November, 2024, the typical price per watt for solar panels in Tacoma, WA is $3.43/W. After the federal tax credit, the estimated cost for a 5 kW solar panel system in Tacoma, WA is roughly $12,005.
  • Utilities and government agencies in Washington are currently offering 14 different rebates and incentives. Furthermore, the majority of people qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
  • Paying cash offers the highest savings, but there are now numerous financing options for solar panels that are also financially beneficial. Installers frequently provide financing options and will specify them in your initial quotes.
  • Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback period in Tacoma, WA stands at 11 years, yielding average electricity savings of $9,861.4 over 20 years.
King Manalo
Last Reviewed By: King Manalo
Published: 2024-11-05