Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple perks. Let's look at a few of them.
- Lower energy bills: Generating some or all of your own energy will save you money on your electric bills long-term. Plus, some states provide net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating additional credits toward your energy bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on fossil fuels.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have dependable energy during grid outages and storms.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Washington Homeowners?
Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for adopting solar. Here are some of the tax credits, rebates, or other programs you could qualify for.
Incentive Type: Solar Renewable Energy Credit Program
Website: icc.illinois.govIncentive Amount:
Negotiated with procurement administrators
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Washington
The cost and efficiency of solar panels often rely on the solar company that installed them. Make your choice based on the following key factors.
Licensing and Training
To install solar energy systems in Washington, D.C., a contractor must be licensed in the trade for which the system is designed. Photovoltaic installers must be licensed electricians, solar HVAC installers must have an HVAC license and solar water heater installers must be licensed plumbers. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, granted by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in Washington
Your solar modules' type will impact how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.
You can also add electric car (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar companies include these optional components, so look for a contractor that installs them if it's essential for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,700 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Washington. This table lists more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,212 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $945 |
| Thin-Film | $553 |
| Solar Battery | $776 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,908 |
Financing Solar Energy in Washington
There are various ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, cash payments, and leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they help you avoid paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the panels and are disqualified from using solar incentives. We advise working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each consultant about what's available, and acquire more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your spending limits.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Washington.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and specialized financing options that could save you more.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 3.3 years |
| 2 kW | 6.5 years |
| 5 kW | 16.3 years |
| 10 kW | 32.6 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Washington
How much money could I save by going solar in Washington?
Is solar energy common in Washington?
Should I anticipate a property value increase after installing solar panels?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a rainy, wooded, or dark area?
What's the average solar system size in Washington?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Washington?
What are some "red flags" to watch for as I research companies?
- Pushy sales approach
- Being evasive about warranties, training and credentials, cost and references
- "One-size-fits-all" approach
- Not thoroughly inspecting your site
- Limited online information
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