Summary of Washington solar incentives 2020
Governor Jay Inslee needs some introductory theme music for this page. It should be snappy, hot, and full of swagger. In 2019, he helped lead a coalition of smart solar policy warriors to finally get the new solar law enacted they’ve wanted for ages.
That law, The Solar Fairness Act, expanded net metering and re-introduced a sales tax exemption for solar. All that support from the legislature adds up to a big jump in your solar incentive savings.
On this page, you can:
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Learn what solar incentives are available to Washington homeowners
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See what Washington solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
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Find out how much these incentives and/or Washington solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
Federal solar investment tax credit
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Washington
This perk is commonly known as the ITC, short for “Investment Tax Credit”. If you install your photovoltaic system in 2020, the federal tax credit is 26% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 26% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 26% = $5,200.
The federal tax credit falls to 22% in 2021. Unless new legislation is introduced in Washington D.C., this program will be gone in 2022.
Net energy metering in Washington
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
In 2019, Washington expanded its net metering requirements eightfold. This change should give the solar industry some much needed stability.
The best net metering laws make sure that you get the full retail value of every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of surplus you produce with your solar panels – either in credit to future bills or, if you consistently run a surplus, cash payments at the end of a regular accounting period.
In Washington however, any net surplus you have accumulated and not used as a bill credit are forfeited to the utility on March 31st of each year, without compensation. Don’t fret! This just requires a little more planning to make sure you don’t install more solar power capacity than you will use each year.
Washington solar rebates
While Washington does not have a dedicated state rebate for solar panel installation, some manufacturers like LG offer their own solar rebates. These programs are usually time sensitive. For example, LG offers a $600 solar rebate on their equipment, which your installer can help you redeem over the next year.
Sales tax exemption
In 2019, Washington restarted its 100% sales tax exemption on all equipment, all labor, and all services related to the installation of that equipment from all sales and use taxes on home solar systems up to 10kW. As the sales tax in Washington is currently 9%, that’s nothing to sneeze at when purchasing equipment that costs twenty to thirty thousand dollars. We’d love to see that 10kW maximum bumped up, but otherwise, that’s a model law right there. No twists, no tricks, just savings for smart solar energy.
Cost of solar panels in your part of Washington after all applicable solar incentives
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Prices based on a 11.7kW system, after 26% federal tax credit
Solar prices near you
Payback period
10.7-13.1 years
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$29,997-$36,663
Average size system installed in WA in 2020
11.7kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Washington
36 solar companies in Washington provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.84 243 Reviews
Latest review
Happy On Vashon, over 1 month
We chose Artisan because of their good reputation in our community. From start to finish we couldn't be happier with their work and service. We were impressed with their adherence to Covid protocols, the quality of their work and professionalism of everyone on the project. Because of our roof configuration this was not a simple installation and they did an extremely nice job - it looks great. In addition to the solar installation we had some additional electrical work done and were very pleased with the results.
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Latest review
Happy On Vashon, over 1 month
We chose Artisan because of their good reputation in our community. From start to finish we couldn't be happier with their work and service. We were impressed with their adherence to Covid protocols, the quality of their work and professionalism of everyone on the project. Because of our roof configuration this was not a simple installation and they did an extremely nice job - it looks great. In addition to the solar installation we had some additional electrical work done and were very pleased with the results.
4.83 168 Reviews
Latest review
Amanda Murphy, 1 week ago
I chose Whidbey Sun & Wind because they are local, and I was very glad I did. They always returned calls and emails promptly, and were willing to answer any questions and explain any details. They expertly explained the benefits of solar specific to my home, and the process and how it all works. They stopped by for signatures and check ins, and were very professional and helpful. The set up was fast and clean, and trouble free. I have only positive feedback for this company.
Read more
Latest review
Amanda Murphy, 1 week ago
I chose Whidbey Sun & Wind because they are local, and I was very glad I did. They always returned calls and emails promptly, and were willing to answer any questions and explain any details. They expertly explained the benefits of solar specific to my home, and the process and how it all works. They stopped by for signatures and check ins, and were very professional and helpful. The set up was fast and clean, and trouble free. I have only positive feedback for this company.
4.81 128 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Power Trip finished the expansion of my legacy 4.2 kW array to 12.4 kW. They handled the complexity of integrating the old with the new perfectly. They completed the job on time, as quoted, in a professional manner.
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Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Power Trip finished the expansion of my legacy 4.2 kW array to 12.4 kW. They handled the complexity of integrating the old with the new perfectly. They completed the job on time, as quoted, in a professional manner.
4.79 102 Reviews
Latest review
Jim Guay, over 1 month
The installation took a long time due to the pandemic but that is understandable and the product seems to be very good.
Read more
Latest review
Jim Guay, over 1 month
The installation took a long time due to the pandemic but that is understandable and the product seems to be very good.
4.78 88 Reviews
Latest review
Stuart, 4 weeks ago
A&R Solar is a great company to work with, George, Nathan, Sam and the crew were very knowledgeable, professional, and pleasant. Best to them as they continue to provide excellent service.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$14,750 ($2.95 per watt)
Latest review
Stuart, 4 weeks ago
A&R Solar is a great company to work with, George, Nathan, Sam and the crew were very knowledgeable, professional, and pleasant. Best to them as they continue to provide excellent service.
4.70 103 Reviews
Latest review
Frank, over 1 month
This is my third set of panels. They have done an amazing job each time.
Read more
Latest review
Frank, over 1 month
This is my third set of panels. They have done an amazing job each time.
4.63 49 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Ground mount of 36 panel Washington made system with e gauge monitor. Been watching daily through the winter months and we are producing about 1/2 of our power needs, and the best is just beginning! Highly recommend the e gauge monitor (extra 600$) can watch daily production on I pad, see where your use is greatest and what kinds of days are best. Can break out stats from 10 minute intervals up to monthly,yearly. It has really made us aware of what and when we use the most (Water heater ). Totally satisfied with all aspects of South Sound Solar, before,during and after instal. Looking forward to great production this Summer.
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Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Ground mount of 36 panel Washington made system with e gauge monitor. Been watching daily through the winter months and we are producing about 1/2 of our power needs, and the best is just beginning! Highly recommend the e gauge monitor (extra 600$) can watch daily production on I pad, see where your use is greatest and what kinds of days are best. Can break out stats from 10 minute intervals up to monthly,yearly. It has really made us aware of what and when we use the most (Water heater ). Totally satisfied with all aspects of South Sound Solar, before,during and after instal. Looking forward to great production this Summer.
4.51 20 Reviews
Latest review
Rick and Sharon Reuter , over 1 month
We were interested in having solar panels installed on our roof, so we submitted a request to Cascadia Solar (and others) in April. Dave from Cascadia Solar responded quickly with a preliminary proposal for a system that addressed our intent, including associated financial information (e.g. system cost and how much we would expect to save each year on electric bills, given our present electric rates and use). When the COVID restrictions were lifted to allow (late May), Dave came to our house to do a site evaluation, and made some small updates to the proposal. We were very impressed with his practical approach and how well the proposal met our intent (provide 90+% of our power needs, use quality components with guarantees, at a reasonable price). In mid-June, Cascadia Solar sent its team (Gene, Payton, and Ethan) to install the system. Team leader Gene was very helpful as we worked out details (e.g. where to mount the inverter, identifying a spot that worked well for us and them). The team also found a few unrelated items in the attic that needed repair (one roof rafter, a fan to vent connection, and an attic access panel) and fixed them (after asking) at no charge. They completed the installation in 3 consecutive days. The needed inspections were completed with no problems. The electrical inspector said their company always does quality work. Dave came over the following day to show us how the system works and what information is available through their application. Again, we were impressed with his practical and helpful approach. We couldn’t be more pleased with Cascadia Solar. We highly recommend them to others considering solar installation.
Read more
Latest review
Rick and Sharon Reuter , over 1 month
We were interested in having solar panels installed on our roof, so we submitted a request to Cascadia Solar (and others) in April. Dave from Cascadia Solar responded quickly with a preliminary proposal for a system that addressed our intent, including associated financial information (e.g. system cost and how much we would expect to save each year on electric bills, given our present electric rates and use). When the COVID restrictions were lifted to allow (late May), Dave came to our house to do a site evaluation, and made some small updates to the proposal. We were very impressed with his practical approach and how well the proposal met our intent (provide 90+% of our power needs, use quality components with guarantees, at a reasonable price). In mid-June, Cascadia Solar sent its team (Gene, Payton, and Ethan) to install the system. Team leader Gene was very helpful as we worked out details (e.g. where to mount the inverter, identifying a spot that worked well for us and them). The team also found a few unrelated items in the attic that needed repair (one roof rafter, a fan to vent connection, and an attic access panel) and fixed them (after asking) at no charge. They completed the installation in 3 consecutive days. The needed inspections were completed with no problems. The electrical inspector said their company always does quality work. Dave came over the following day to show us how the system works and what information is available through their application. Again, we were impressed with his practical and helpful approach. We couldn’t be more pleased with Cascadia Solar. We highly recommend them to others considering solar installation.
4.51 21 Reviews
Latest review
Ron Behrmann, over 1 month
Great work on the installation and follow-up by the technician. Some schedule problems.<br />
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Latest review
Ron Behrmann, over 1 month
Great work on the installation and follow-up by the technician. Some schedule problems.<br />
4.50 24 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
just finished a new solar install less than the actual estimate. these guys are honest, very responsive on emails or calls. also, they stayed on schedule. the install is very professionally done. we have a house right on the beach so they are thoughtful using the right type of materials on our metal roof. i love everything they did. they never pushed for more than needed. thank you !!
Read more
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
just finished a new solar install less than the actual estimate. these guys are honest, very responsive on emails or calls. also, they stayed on schedule. the install is very professionally done. we have a house right on the beach so they are thoughtful using the right type of materials on our metal roof. i love everything they did. they never pushed for more than needed. thank you !!
Solar guides for your Washington city
For more information about going solar near where you live, check out the following resources:
Useful links
Clark Public Utility Solar Loan Program - Low interest loans to finance solar projects up to $30,000
Chelan County Sustainable Natural Alternative Power Program (SNAP) - Pooled utility bill savings for power producers.
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