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#47 Solar ROI State

Solar Panel ROI in Washington (WA)

Washington averages 1,100 kWh per installed kW per year. At $11.2¢/kWh average utility rates, a 7 kW system produces a 25-year NPV of -$1,502.

$13,965
System Cost (After Credits)
-$1,502
25-Year NPV
17 years
Payback Period
$0.187/kWh
Solar LCOE

Solar Cost Breakdown in Washington

7 kW system (2.85/W)$19,950
Federal ITC (30%)-$5,985
Net Cost$13,965

Solar Production in Washington

Washington receives an average of 1,100 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year, based on NREL PVWatts data for a south-facing system at 20° tilt. A 7 kW system produces approximately 7,700 kWh in year one, declining by 0.5% annually due to panel degradation.

At Washington's average residential rate of $11.2¢/kWh with 4% annual escalation, first-year savings are $862. The solar LCOE of $0.187/kWh is -67% below the current utility rate and stays fixed while utility rates continue to climb.

Net Metering in Washington

1:1 net metering mandated for all utilities. Sales tax exempt for solar.

Solar by Utility in Washington

Puget Sound Energy (PSE)

Avg Rate: $11.8¢/kWh
Structure: FLAT
View analysis ›

Seattle City Light

Avg Rate: $9.8¢/kWh
Structure: TIERED
View analysis ›

Solar FAQ for Washington

How much does solar cost in Washington?
A typical 7 kW residential solar system in Washington costs $19,950 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC, the net cost drops to $13,965.
What is the solar payback period in Washington?
Based on the average WA utility rate of $11.2¢/kWh and local solar irradiance of 1,100 kWh/kW/year, a 7 kW system typically pays for itself in 17 years. The 25-year NPV is -$1,502.
Does Washington have net metering?
1:1 net metering mandated for all utilities. Sales tax exempt for solar.
What is the LCOE of solar in Washington?
The levelized cost of solar energy in Washington is approximately $0.187/kWh, compared to the current average utility rate of $11.2¢/kWh. Solar electricity costs -67% less than grid electricity at today's rates, and the gap widens as utility rates rise.
How much electricity does a solar panel produce in Washington?
Washington receives approximately 1,100 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year. A 7 kW system produces about 7,700 kWh in its first year, enough to offset 73% of the average U.S. household's electricity consumption.

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Solar ROI in Similar States

Nebraska

NPV: $4,129 · Payback: 13yr
Rate: $11.8¢/kWh · #39 ranked

Mississippi

NPV: $5,436 · Payback: 11yr
Rate: $12.2¢/kWh · #40 ranked

Oklahoma

NPV: $4,345 · Payback: 11yr
Rate: $11.2¢/kWh · #41 ranked

Kentucky

NPV: $2,061 · Payback: 14yr
Rate: $11.8¢/kWh · #42 ranked

South Dakota

NPV: $4,943 · Payback: 11yr
Rate: $12.8¢/kWh · #43 ranked

Tennessee

NPV: $3,482 · Payback: 13yr
Rate: $11.8¢/kWh · #44 ranked

Get Your Washington Solar Analysis

These are averages. Your ROI depends on your specific utility, consumption, roof, and system size. Run a personalized 25-year NPV analysis — free.

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