Sales tax exemption and full net metering, but limited sun resource.
Avg residential rate11¢ / kWh
Avg system cost$2.90 / W ($31,900 for 11 kW)
Peak sun hours / day3.7
Net meteringFull Net Metering
State tax creditNone
Federal tax credit30% (Residential Clean Energy Credit, through 2032)
Property tax exemptionNo
Sales tax exemptionYes
Washington payback by monthly electric bill
The bigger your current bill, the faster solar pays back. Here's how the numbers work out for a typical Washington home:
Monthly bill
System size
Gross cost
Federal credit
State credit
Net cost
Year-1 savings
Payback
$100
9.8 kW
$28,536
−$8,561
$0
$19,975
$1,140
14.7 yr
$150
14.8 kW
$42,804
−$12,841
$0
$29,963
$1,710
14.7 yr
$200
19.7 kW
$57,072
−$17,122
$0
$39,950
$2,280
14.7 yr
$300
20 kW
$58,000
−$17,400
$0
$40,600
$2,317
14.7 yr
Assumes 95% bill offset, 3% annual rate inflation, 0.5% annual panel degradation, and a 25-year system life.
Calculate your exact Washington solar payback
Enter your real monthly electric bill to see your personalized payback estimate.
Best path forward in Washington
The fastest, free way to see real installer quotes for your roof is to use a marketplace like EnergySage. You'll get up to 4 competing bids from local pros without phone harassment.
Frequently asked questions about solar in Washington
How long does it take for solar panels to pay for themselves in Washington?
For a typical Washington home with a $150/month electric bill, a 14.8 kW system pays for itself in about 14.7 years. Higher bills (or higher state incentives) shorten this; lower bills lengthen it.
What's the average cost of solar panels in Washington?
Washington installers average $2.90 per watt before incentives. A typical 11 kW system costs roughly $31,900 gross, or about $29,963 after federal and state credits.
Does Washington offer a state solar tax credit?
Washington does not offer a state-level solar tax credit. However, the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit still applies, and there may be utility rebates in your service area.
Does Washington have net metering?
Yes — Washington has full retail net metering, meaning you get one-for-one credit for any excess solar exported to the grid. This is the most favorable arrangement for solar owners.
Are solar panels worth it in Washington in 2026?
For most Washington homeowners with a monthly electric bill above $100, the answer is yes — payback typically lands between 10.3 and 19.1 years depending on roof orientation, shade, and incentive timing. The 30% federal credit is locked in through 2032, removing a major timing risk.