There can be solar tax credits and incentives available at the federal, state and local levels. The calculator above will show you the value of all incentives your home is eligible for.
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.
Learn what solar incentives are available to Washington homeowners
See what Washington solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
Find out how much these incentives and/or Washington solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in Washington
If you install your photovoltaic system before the end of 2032, the federal tax credit is 30% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 30% 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 30% = $6,000.
The federal tax credit falls to 26% starting in 2033.
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.
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.
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.
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Prices based on a 11.7kW system, after 30% federal tax credit
44 solar companies in Washington provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.84 249 Reviews
James, over 1 month
they are upfront and seem honest. I have no complaints. It took me three or more years to "bite the bullet" and get the panels and there were better incentive programs that I may have missed, but timing may not always be right for you. Through the years they worked with me and gave me good options to consider. When they came out and did the work it was professional and resolved quickly.
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James, over 1 month
they are upfront and seem honest. I have no complaints. It took me three or more years to "bite the bullet" and get the panels and there were better incentive programs that I may have missed, but timing may not always be right for you. Through the years they worked with me and gave me good options to consider. When they came out and did the work it was professional and resolved quickly.
4.82 193 Reviews
Satisfied in Coupeville, over 1 month
Our garage/office space was new construction and broke ground just a bit before COVID hit. WSW installed solar panels, inverter, battery, and ran circuits to the separate house. They also wired the new building. I can't complement them enough as to how they navigated crazy supply chains, uncertainty with the builders, and working with us to keep us informed about what was going on. I especially appreciate that they used the long installation time to find solutions to our high load amps when the well pump kicked in. Paul and Golda and team kept up to date on the new technologies and were able to source a newly released higher capacity inverter to do the job. The time also allowed us to get a slightly larger battery for the same money because costs kept coming down and technology going up. Can't recommend them enough.
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Satisfied in Coupeville, over 1 month
Our garage/office space was new construction and broke ground just a bit before COVID hit. WSW installed solar panels, inverter, battery, and ran circuits to the separate house. They also wired the new building. I can't complement them enough as to how they navigated crazy supply chains, uncertainty with the builders, and working with us to keep us informed about what was going on. I especially appreciate that they used the long installation time to find solutions to our high load amps when the well pump kicked in. Paul and Golda and team kept up to date on the new technologies and were able to source a newly released higher capacity inverter to do the job. The time also allowed us to get a slightly larger battery for the same money because costs kept coming down and technology going up. Can't recommend them enough.
4.81 104 Reviews
Matthew T, over 1 month
I wanted to write a raving review of A-R Solar as my experience with them and their installation crew was top notch. From the very beginning, being a novice to Solar and the latest technologies, I had only done a few weeks worth of online researching. As with many homeowners, the information out there can be daunting and overwhelming at times. Upon our search for the “right” solar solution, as with many of us, we called around several companies to get the most information, best & affordable pricing, but at the end of the day, a partnership in the solar initiatives. Our phone call landed us with Ian Lucas, our design consultant. From the get-go, Ian was very knowledgeable & a non-pushy consultant. He answered our “dumb” questions round the clock without judgement. My wife and I felt that Ian was looking for our best interest at heart versus the other companies who didn’t even return our phone calls or just wanted a quick sale and move on. Ian gave us truthful information, and “this is what I would do in your situation” without the up sale of additional equipment that we didn’t need. We were sold with Ian. Next steps, the Project Manager : AJ Mullen. Again from the get-go, she came for a site visit, gave us a run down of the project and what to expect. Open and constant communication along the way. The PM makes it all happen with the coordination and resources. Lastly, the installation Crew consisting of Ari, Travis and Colton. These guys were very passionate about their work. As if they live and breathe it and you could easily see it in the expression and craftmanship. I joked with my wife, “these guys were eager beavers” to prep the site, install, and clean up every evening. Very detailed oriented and we all got along fantastically. (is that even a word ). I can go on and on but you get the jist of my review and my future recommendation to all my neighbors and friends. From start to finish, and everything in between, you must be doing something right in hiring and finding such fine professionals in the Solar industry. I wanted to personally thank you A-R for such a pleasure experience into the future of solar and definitely thank Ian, AJ, Colton, Travis and Ari on my behalf. Cheers, Matt T.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$14,750 ($2.95 per watt)
Matthew T, over 1 month
I wanted to write a raving review of A-R Solar as my experience with them and their installation crew was top notch. From the very beginning, being a novice to Solar and the latest technologies, I had only done a few weeks worth of online researching. As with many homeowners, the information out there can be daunting and overwhelming at times. Upon our search for the “right” solar solution, as with many of us, we called around several companies to get the most information, best & affordable pricing, but at the end of the day, a partnership in the solar initiatives. Our phone call landed us with Ian Lucas, our design consultant. From the get-go, Ian was very knowledgeable & a non-pushy consultant. He answered our “dumb” questions round the clock without judgement. My wife and I felt that Ian was looking for our best interest at heart versus the other companies who didn’t even return our phone calls or just wanted a quick sale and move on. Ian gave us truthful information, and “this is what I would do in your situation” without the up sale of additional equipment that we didn’t need. We were sold with Ian. Next steps, the Project Manager : AJ Mullen. Again from the get-go, she came for a site visit, gave us a run down of the project and what to expect. Open and constant communication along the way. The PM makes it all happen with the coordination and resources. Lastly, the installation Crew consisting of Ari, Travis and Colton. These guys were very passionate about their work. As if they live and breathe it and you could easily see it in the expression and craftmanship. I joked with my wife, “these guys were eager beavers” to prep the site, install, and clean up every evening. Very detailed oriented and we all got along fantastically. (is that even a word ). I can go on and on but you get the jist of my review and my future recommendation to all my neighbors and friends. From start to finish, and everything in between, you must be doing something right in hiring and finding such fine professionals in the Solar industry. I wanted to personally thank you A-R for such a pleasure experience into the future of solar and definitely thank Ian, AJ, Colton, Travis and Ari on my behalf. Cheers, Matt T.
4.79 130 Reviews
Becca G, over 1 month
My partner and I had been considering solar for a while. I did a lot of research into several different companies and decided to go with Power Trip for several reasons. For starters, they actually came out and looked at the property, rather than just using a computer generated model. Further, they answered all my questions promptly and were honest and fair in their quotes. The system has been stellar since we had it installed in August 2022. Now that we're considering an extension to our array, we'll definitely be going with Power Trip again.
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Becca G, over 1 month
My partner and I had been considering solar for a while. I did a lot of research into several different companies and decided to go with Power Trip for several reasons. For starters, they actually came out and looked at the property, rather than just using a computer generated model. Further, they answered all my questions promptly and were honest and fair in their quotes. The system has been stellar since we had it installed in August 2022. Now that we're considering an extension to our array, we'll definitely be going with Power Trip again.
4.73 120 Reviews
AA, 2 weeks ago
Had a wonderful experience with Fire Mountain Solar. From the quotation process, installation, inspections to PTO, FM was perfect all along the way (at a great value!) L&I was even especially complimentary on the installation. If I had another solar project, I'd not hesitate to work with Friday, Tim and the entire crew again. Thanks FM solar!!
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AA, 2 weeks ago
Had a wonderful experience with Fire Mountain Solar. From the quotation process, installation, inspections to PTO, FM was perfect all along the way (at a great value!) L&I was even especially complimentary on the installation. If I had another solar project, I'd not hesitate to work with Friday, Tim and the entire crew again. Thanks FM solar!!
4.71 110 Reviews
Paul, over 1 month
I hired Sunergy 6 years ago. Originally, they did a good job, but here are the problems I've had since the install: 1.) Leaks! There was water intrusion into the inverter!! They "fixed" it by drilling a weep hole. I don't know about you, but I'm *still* concerned about high voltage and water in the inverter! 2.) Leaks in the roof. They do not have proper on-call processes in place when their office is closed. I notified them about the leak and they were only able to get someone to the house to take a look 2 weeks later. 3.) They tried to skirt around their responsibilities to fix the actual damage in #2, and only wanted to put some caulk on the leak. Then they proposed an obviously sub-par (but cost-effective for them) solution to prey on an uninformed homeowner. 4.) They clean your panels with soap that has caused permanent stains on the panels. It has probably caused some loss of production due to this. Given my experience, I can no longer recommend Sunergy Systems.
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Paul, over 1 month
I hired Sunergy 6 years ago. Originally, they did a good job, but here are the problems I've had since the install: 1.) Leaks! There was water intrusion into the inverter!! They "fixed" it by drilling a weep hole. I don't know about you, but I'm *still* concerned about high voltage and water in the inverter! 2.) Leaks in the roof. They do not have proper on-call processes in place when their office is closed. I notified them about the leak and they were only able to get someone to the house to take a look 2 weeks later. 3.) They tried to skirt around their responsibilities to fix the actual damage in #2, and only wanted to put some caulk on the leak. Then they proposed an obviously sub-par (but cost-effective for them) solution to prey on an uninformed homeowner. 4.) They clean your panels with soap that has caused permanent stains on the panels. It has probably caused some loss of production due to this. Given my experience, I can no longer recommend Sunergy Systems.
4.65 62 Reviews
Barrett Anderson, over 1 month
Nick and his team went above and beyond, making sure everything was correct, even cleaning up the patio they had worked in after finishing the project.
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Barrett Anderson, over 1 month
Nick and his team went above and beyond, making sure everything was correct, even cleaning up the patio they had worked in after finishing the project.
4.63 49 Reviews
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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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.
4.63 26 Reviews
Harley , over 1 month
We were adding solar to our shop and got several bids. Cascadia Solar was happy to come look at our project, and promptly came up with reasonable options and pricing. We found them to communicate well with us and the job was quickly completed. We would recommend them to our friends and neighbors.
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Harley , over 1 month
We were adding solar to our shop and got several bids. Cascadia Solar was happy to come look at our project, and promptly came up with reasonable options and pricing. We found them to communicate well with us and the job was quickly completed. We would recommend them to our friends and neighbors.
4.61 26 Reviews
Anonymous, over 1 month
OK, it wasn't a solar job but a backup for my whole house using a propane powered generator. They were on time, did a fantastic job, and did a super clean install. I can't say enough good about them. Hard to believe they are electricians because they show up prepared and get the job done quickly and efficiently. I just wish they also did work where my other homes are located, they are that good.
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Anonymous, over 1 month
OK, it wasn't a solar job but a backup for my whole house using a propane powered generator. They were on time, did a fantastic job, and did a super clean install. I can't say enough good about them. Hard to believe they are electricians because they show up prepared and get the job done quickly and efficiently. I just wish they also did work where my other homes are located, they are that good.
For more information about going solar near where you live, check out the following resources:
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.