Solar power in Seattle, Washington
Seattle Light provide net metering and support performance payments.
The Renewable Energy System Incentive Program pays a minimum of $0.16/per kWh for all energy your solar system produces on top of net metering payments!
Payments increase to $0.21/kWh when state manufactured solar modules are used. This incentive is a contract signed for 8 years or until 50% of the system has been payed off. State manufactured components will set you back a little more on day one but will result in the best returns.
The federal ITC also allows part of the system cost to claimed as a deduction to federal income taxes; it's worth 26% in 2020, or 22% in 2021. This incentive can be used in increments to suit anyones financial position.
With part of the costs covered by the ITC, net metering and outstanding performance payments you'd be pretty silly not to install solar while these generous incentives are available.
Even if you still aren't sure solar is the right decision fo you a free estimate by entering your current bill spend and address can never hurt.
Net Metering Broken Down
Under net metering excess solar generation is credited at 1 for 1 with retail prices. When more energy is exported than drawn in a month credit is carried over at the same rate for future bills. Unfortunately, remaining credit at the end of the yearly billing cycle expires without compensation.
The average cost of installing residential solar panels in Seattle,
Washington in 2025 is
$2.58 per watt. The average system size
in the US is 6 kilowatts, which means the average price of a solar system
in Seattle, WA
is $12,900.
(after claiming 26% tax credit and other rebates)
The 26% federal solar tax credit explained
If you have a federal income tax liability, 26% of the cost of your solar system can be claimed as a deduction to your taxes. This incentive is claimed when you do your taxes. In order to receive the tax credit quicker it's best to do your taxes as soon as possible after installation.
What if my tax liability is less than 26% of my systems costThere is the option to claim this incentive over several years if your tax liability is less than 26% of the system cost.
How much will solar panels on my home save me?
The answer to this question depends on your electricity usage. Generally speaking the greater your power usage the greater the potential savings from installing solar.
The average monthly usage in Washington is only 960kWh per month however, you are most likely using a lot more than this since this average includes condos and small apartments.
The Seattle solar panel savings calculator below will convert your monthly power spend into power usage (in kWh's) and then work out exactly how many solar panels you need to offset your usage, how much they will cost based on the prices of local solar companies and the amount you will save. Our Washington solar savings calculator can do this because it contains a database of the electric rates charged by City of Milton, PUD No 1 of Chelan County, Puget Sound Energy Inc, City of Seattle, City of Tacoma, Tanner Electric Coop
How much can solar panels save you in Seattle
What does the cost of a real solar system look like?
Facts about installing a 32.31kW solar system in Seattle, WA
This system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill is $183, however your situation may vary so try our Seattle solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
$57,383
Net cost of system
17 Years 7 Months
Average payback time
30,500 kWh
Annual power production
8¢/kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
13¢/kWh
If you don't get solar
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of this 32.31kW system
Life-time savings on this system over the next 25 years
$14,483
(Prices shown after repayments of capital)
22
Solar companies in Seattle, WA that provide pricing through the SolarEstimate marketplace.
Average total cost of solar panel installation in Seattle
| System Size |
Cash purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 26% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $6,016 | $6,497 |
| 4kw | $7,903 | $8,535 |
| 5kw | $9,694 | $10,470 |
| 6kw | $11,455 | $12,372 |
| 7kw | $13,105 | $14,154 |
| 8kw | $14,741 | $15,920 |
| 9kw | $16,250 | $17,550 |
| 10kw | $17,760 | $19,181 |
Find out what system size you need for your home
Going solar in Washington
Check out all of the ways energy providers of Washington can help you be more energy efficient and save money.
The following programs are available:
| Incentive Name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| Renewable Energy Sales and Use Tax Exemption | State | Sales Tax Incentive |
| Net Metering | State | Net Metering |
| Chelan County Sustainable Natural Alternative Power Program | Utility | Performance-Based Incentive |
Find your local rebates and incentives
Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives are the solar installers who specialize in your area.
