Solar Panels Cost 16k-26k in Vancouver, WA | September, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $16k-$26k in Vancouver, WA | September, 2024

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

To get solar panels installed costs approximately $3.43 per watt in Vancouver, WA in the month of September, 2024.

This means that, for every 1000 watts (or 1 Kw) your system can generate you will spend $3,430 to get your system installed in . When you subtract the 30% federal tax credit, you can expect to pay around $12,005, in Vancouver, for a 5 kW system. However, a 5kW system may not be large enough to fulfill your energy demands.

On the left-hand side, you can pick your county to determine the average roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panel systems in residences in your area. Below is a full breakdown 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.
Vancouver: $12,005US Average: $12,598
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Vancouver: 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.
Vancouver: $6,598US Average: $15,732

Solar Potential in Vancouver

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

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

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

Energy consumers in Vancouver usually use 1,019 kWh per month, with an average monthly bill of $98.95. Compact dwellings, such as townhouses and condos, are also included in the statistics mentioned in the previous sentence.

In September 2024, Vancouver, WA's mean electricity rate is 9.71¢ per kWh.

In Vancouver, a typical electricity consumer's requirements should be entirely covered by a solar system of 11 kW or more. Presently, an 11 kW solar installation will cost approximately $37,730 before incentives, but the federal tax credit will give you back 30%, lowering the cost to $26,411.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Vancouver

On your left, we present a comprehensive cost analysis for multiple solar panel system sizes set up in Vancouver. As expected, a more extensive solar system requires a higher upfront cost, but it also leads to greater electricity savings and higher income tax credits.

Refer to the solar panel cost calculator to the right and below to see the cost and benefit details calculated from an average $98.95 electric bill in Vancouver. Simply replace the $98.95 with your typical electricity bill amount to see customized results.

System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $815 a year
Est. Price
$16,807
Savings from a 7kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 8,146 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $68
  • Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.58 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 119 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 6,391 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $931 a year
Est. Price
$19,208
Savings from a 8kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 9,309 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $78
  • Full payback in 16 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.95 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 136 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 7,304 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,047 a year
Est. Price
$21,609
Savings from a 9kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 10,473 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $87
  • Full payback in 18 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.32 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 152 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,218 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,164 a year
Est. Price
$24,010
Savings from a 10kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 11,637 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $97
  • Full payback in 20 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.69 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 169 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,131 mi less a year
System Size 11kW
Roof Size Min. space required
787 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,280 a year
Est. Price
$26,411
Savings from a 11kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 12,800 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $99
  • Full payback in 22 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.77 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 173 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,321 mi less a year

Vancouver Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

Rural farmers and small business owners could have between 80% and 100% of their solar energy or wind turbine installation expenses covered by the REAP Grant. Believe you might qualify? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check your eligibility.

For residential solar projects, almost everyone people are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit, which makes solar a practical solution in many parts of the country. Moreover, many regional programs are intended to encourage more people to adopt solar power.

A total of 14 solar rebates and incentives are available in Washington through different utility companies and government 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.

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?

Expecting to stay in your house beyond the solar payback period? Solar panels are a smart investment in Vancouver. Having a 5 kW solar system in Vancouver, WA can potentially save you approximately $11,743 over a span of 20 years, with an average break even point of 10 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Vancouver, WA

Without solar panels or another backup power source, you lose out on the previously noted savings and are fully dependent on your electric utility for electricity. Full reliance on your utility company is not always ideal, as recent media examples have demonstrated.

Annually, the average number of outages per customer in Vancouver is about 1.04. Usually, outages have an average duration of 51.8 minutes. However, during critical events like earthquakes, wildlife damage, or equipment failure, these times can extend dramatically.

Even without a backup battery, a solar panel system could ease the burden of possible future power disruptions you may encounter.

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 Vancouver, WA?

Your Energy Needs - Even though larger solar panel systems are more expensive initially, the average price per watt lowers as the system size grows. It is often advantageous for homeowners to install a solar system that can make enough electricity to offset their electric bill, which results in significant savings.

Make & Model - There are a range of makes and models of solar panels. As the installer might have specific brand preferences, it's important to choose a highly rated installer. Consumers who opt for better materials usually enjoy a more favorable long-term experience.

Solar Panel Type - For valid reasons, monocrystalline panels have become the standard in the industry. They come with a higher price but are more energy-efficient. Many solar panel installers use panels made of this material.

Your Property - Elements like trees, sloped land, or other considerations might complicate the installation process. Many solar installers now are able to use satellite imagery to assess your home and factor in these aspects in the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The pay that various companies offer their employees are different, and these costs are transferred to the consumers. Companies that pay higher wages frequently garner higher reviews for their services and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - The cost of your installation will be affected by the local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which differ depending on the area. Reliable installers will factor these costs into your preliminary quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.

See what solar panels cost in other WA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Vancouver?

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.

Vancouver, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • As of September, 2024, the typical cost for solar panels in Vancouver, WA is $3.43/W. The cost of installing a 5 kW solar panel system in Vancouver, WA is about $12,005 post federal tax credit.

  • Residents of Washington can currently take advantage of 14 rebates and incentives offered by various utilities and government bodies. In addition, the 30% federal income tax credit is available to almost everyone.

  • Even though paying cash provides the most savings, there are now several financing options for solar panels that also are financially sensible. Installers will often include details on financing partners in the quotes they provide initially.

  • Yes, in Vancouver, WA, the average payback period for 5 kW solar panels is 10 years, resulting in average electricity savings of $11,743 over 20 years.
King Manalo
Last Reviewed By: King Manalo
Published: 2024-09-01