How much do solar panels cost in Washington in 2026?

A typical 8kW solar system in Washington costs approximately $24,000 before incentives. After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit, your net cost is around $16,800.

Solar Panels in Washington: Cost, Savings & Incentives (2026)

Q: Is solar worth it in Washington?

Washington has 4 peak sun hours per day and an average electricity rate of 10.8 cents per kWh. Solar can still be financially viable with the right system size. Washington State exempts solar energy systems from the state sales tax, saving homeowners the 6.5% state sales tax on equipment purchases. Puget Sound Energy and other utilities offer net metering at the full retail rate. Washington's low electricity rates from hydropower reduce savings potential, but the sales tax exemption provides immediate upfront savings.

Updated May 2026

A 8kW solar system in Washington costs around $16,800 after the 30% federal tax credit and saves approximately $1,009 per year on electricity at the state's average rate of 10.8¢/kWh. With 4 peak sun hours per day, your estimated payback period is 16 years — leaving 15+ years of profit before the 25-year warranty period ends. Below: real cost data, all available incentives and a free personalised calculator.

Peak sun hours/day

10.8¢

Avg electricity rate

30%

Federal tax credit

8 kW

Typical system size

Is solar worth it in Washington in 2026?

With an average electricity rate of 10.8¢ per kWh and 4 peak sun hours per day, Washington homeowners are able to benefit from solar panels with the right system. A typical 8kW system will produce around 9,344 kWh per year — enough to offset a significant portion of a typical Washington home's electricity usage.

At current electricity rates, that production saves approximately $1,009 per year. Over 25 years — the standard panel warranty period — the projected net profit after recouping the system cost is around $8,425.

How much do solar panels cost in Washington?

A 8kW solar system — typical for a Washington home — costs approximately $24,000 before incentives (national average: ~$3,000 per kW installed).

Cost item	Amount
System cost (8kW)	$24,000
Federal 30% ITC	−$7,200
Washington State exempts solar energy systems from the state sales tax, saving homeowners the 6.5% state sales tax on equipment purchases. Puget Sound Energy and other utilities offer net metering at the full retail rate. Washington's low electricity rates from hydropower reduce savings potential, but the sales tax exemption provides immediate upfront savings.	Additional savings
Net cost (after federal ITC)	$16,800

Actual costs vary by installer. Always get at least 3 quotes. Installer labour, roof type and system complexity affect final pricing.

Solar incentives in Washington (2026)

Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) — 30%

All US homeowners qualify for the 30% federal ITC through 2032. On a $24,000 system, this is a $7,200 tax credit — a direct reduction in federal taxes owed (not a deduction from taxable income).

Washington state incentives

Washington State exempts solar energy systems from the state sales tax, saving homeowners the 6.5% state sales tax on equipment purchases. Puget Sound Energy and other utilities offer net metering at the full retail rate. Washington's low electricity rates from hydropower reduce savings potential, but the sales tax exemption provides immediate upfront savings.

Use our Solar Tax Credit Calculator to calculate your exact federal and state incentive amounts based on your system cost.

Solar payback period in Washington

Based on a net system cost of $16,800 and estimated annual savings of $1,009, the estimated payback period for solar panels in Washington is approximately 16 years.

After payback, your solar panels continue to produce free electricity for another 9+ years. Use our Solar Payback Calculator to customise this for your specific electricity bill and system size.

What affects solar savings in Washington?

Every homeowner's solar savings are different. In Washington, the key variables are:

Electricity rate (10.8¢/kWh): Washington's electricity rate is near the national average. Combined with sun hours and system size, this gives a typical homeowner a solid case for solar investment.
Peak sun hours (4 hrs/day): Washington's sun hours are below the national average. This is offset by choosing an appropriately-sized system and optimising roof orientation. South-facing roofs at 20–30° pitch perform best.
System size (8kW typical): The right size depends on your electricity bill. A $150/month bill typically requires a 6–8kW system to offset 80–100%. Use our System Size Calculator to find your exact target.
Roof type and orientation: South-facing roofs at 30° pitch are ideal. West-facing roofs produce 15–20% less but may generate more electricity during peak-price afternoon hours, improving time-of-use savings.