Solar Panels Cost 29k-39k in Wenatchee, WA | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $29k-$39k in Wenatchee, WA | October, 2024

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

Going solar in the month of October, 2024 in Wenatchee, WA costs $3.51/W.

Expect costs to be $3,510, on average, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) of solar energy your solar panels will need to generate. We are able to come to this conclusion by using the rate price cost. In Wenatchee, the cost of a 5 kW system is generally $12,285, after a 30% federal tax credit. A more powerful system could be needed to ensure your energy requirements are met.

To the left, you have the option to select your county and see the typical roof size along with the average maximum capacity for residential solar in homes in your area. Below is a detailed 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.
Wenatchee: $12,285US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Wenatchee: 15 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Wenatchee: $-613US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Wenatchee

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

Roof size 679sq. ft.
Capacity 9.5kW DC
Electricity 11.9kkWh AC per yr.

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

The typical energy consumer in Wenatchee has a monthly electric bill of $70.57 and uses 1,865 kWh on average. Compact apartments are also encompassed in the numbers noted in the prior sentence. The lower energy use in these types of dwellings impacts those averages.

As of October 2024, the average rate for electricity per kWh in Wenatchee, WA is 3.78¢.

In Wenatchee, average users has to have a system size of 16 kW or greater to fully take care of all of their energy usage requirements. Before incentives, a 16 kW solar system is around $56,160, with the federal tax credit returning 30% of your investment amount, reducing the price to $39,312.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Wenatchee

To the left and below, you can find a detailed pricing breakdown for various solar panel system sizes installed in Wenatchee. While a larger solar installation does come with a higher price tag, it also offers increased electricity savings and larger income tax credits.

Check a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator down and to the right, for an average electric bill of $70.57 in Wenatchee. Modify the $70.57 to your usual electricity bill payment for customized results.

System Size 12kW
Roof Size Min. space required
858 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $713 a year
Est. Price
$29,484
Savings from a 12kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 17,832 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $59
  • Full payback in 35 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.16 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 53 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,863 mi less a year
System Size 13kW
Roof Size Min. space required
930 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $773 a year
Est. Price
$31,941
Savings from a 13kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 19,319 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $64
  • Full payback in 38 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.25 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 58 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,102 mi less a year
System Size 14kW
Roof Size Min. space required
1,001 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $832 a year
Est. Price
$34,398
Savings from a 14kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 20,805 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $69
  • Full payback in 41 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.35 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 62 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 3,341 mi less a year
System Size 15kW
Roof Size Min. space required
1,073 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $892 a year
Est. Price
$36,855
Savings from a 15kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 22,291 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $71
  • Full payback in 44 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 16kW
Roof Size Min. space required
1,144 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $951 a year
Est. Price
$39,312
Savings from a 16kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 23,777 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $71
  • Full payback in 46 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

Wenatchee Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

For rural farms and small businesses, the REAP Grant might currently cover between 80% and 100% of the expenses for installing solar or wind energy systems. Curious if you fit this category? Confirm your eligibility with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.

Nearly all residents are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, which makes it a practical option in many states in the country. In addition to the federal incentives, state and local programs also aim to boost solar energy uptake.

Washington provides 14 solar rebates and incentives from multiple utility companies and government organizations.

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 foresee living in your home longer than the solar system's payback period, installing solar panels is an smart decision in Wenatchee. By installing a 5 kW solar system in Wenatchee, WA, you can expect to save approximately $4,651.8 over 20 years, with the break even point typically being 15 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Wenatchee, WA

Failing to have solar panels or an alternative backup energy results in missing the savings mentioned earlier and being completely reliant on your electric utility for electricity. Numerous recent examples in the news have highlighted that complete reliance on your utility company is not always the best option.

In recent times, utilities in Washington have recorded an average of 1.43 outages per customer annually. Typically, outages have an average duration of 251.91 minutes. However, during significant events such as thunderstorms, wildlife damage, or grid management errors, these times can drastically increase.

A solar panel system, whether or not it has a backup battery, could reduce the impact of future outages you might experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Chelan County.

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Customers Out:

0

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

Your Energy Needs - Investing in larger solar panel systems costs more upfront, but the price per watt is lowered as the system size grows. For most homeowners, setting up a system that can generate enough power to eliminate their entire electric bill is useful, providing significant savings.

Make & Model - Solar panels, like many other products, are available in various makes and models. Your contractor’s potential brand preferences make it crucial to choose a reputable contractor. For buyers desiring a more favorable long-term experience, investing in superior quality makes and models is critical.

Solar Panel Type - The standard in the industry is now monocrystalline panels, and justifiably so. These panels have a higher cost but yield more energy. The majority of installers in the industry work with panels constructed of this material.

Your Property - Trees, uneven landscapes, or other obstacles can increase the complexity of the installation. These days, solar installers can leverage satellite images to assess your home and factor in these factors into the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - Companies compensate their employees in varying amounts, and these costs are borne by consumers. Companies that invest in higher wages often see higher reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary by region, will influence your final installation cost. Reliable local installers will build these figures into your preliminary estimates to prevent any surprises.

See what solar panels cost in other WA cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Wenatchee?

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.

Wenatchee, WA Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The cost per watt for solar panels in Wenatchee, WA during October of 2024 averages $3.51/W. After federal tax credits, the installation of a 5 kW solar panel system in Wenatchee, WA is estimated to cost $12,285.

  • Currently, Washington residents can benefit from 14 rebates and incentives available through various utilities and government bodies. On top of that, nearly everyone can qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.

  • Even though cash payments yield the greatest savings, several financing options for solar panels today are also financially beneficial. Information about financing options is typically included in initial quotes provided by installers.

  • Yes, in Wenatchee, WA, 5 kW solar panel systems typically pay off in 15 years, and users save around $4,651.8 in electricity costs over 20 years.
Ginalyn Gelera
Last Reviewed By: Ginalyn Gelera
Published: 2024-10-01