Summary of Washington solar incentives 2021
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% at the end of 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 2021
11.7kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in Washington
43 solar companies in Washington provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.84 174 Reviews
Latest review
Mike & Lia Finney, 3 weeks ago
My system was installed in July of 2017 and I have held off of writing a review until now because i wanted to see how their follow-up service would be. The analysis, bid and installation was very thorough and complete! I cannot say enough of how pleased we were with the whole process. EVERYONE was great. The system has performed as advertised and promised! In three and a half years Paul has been more than willing and capable to resolve any questions or issues that have come up. The only 'issue' we had was about connectivity to our WI-FI when we had our router upgraded and Paul came out and resolved the 'issue'. I would highly recommend Whidbey Sun and Wind for your installation or for any questions you might have! If I could give them more stars, I would! As an FYI, I spent 45 years in construction with over 25 years as a project superintendent on projects with value up to and over $200 M, so I have seen just about everything in construction. A very pleased customer!
Read more
Latest review
Mike & Lia Finney, 3 weeks ago
My system was installed in July of 2017 and I have held off of writing a review until now because i wanted to see how their follow-up service would be. The analysis, bid and installation was very thorough and complete! I cannot say enough of how pleased we were with the whole process. EVERYONE was great. The system has performed as advertised and promised! In three and a half years Paul has been more than willing and capable to resolve any questions or issues that have come up. The only 'issue' we had was about connectivity to our WI-FI when we had our router upgraded and Paul came out and resolved the 'issue'. I would highly recommend Whidbey Sun and Wind for your installation or for any questions you might have! If I could give them more stars, I would! As an FYI, I spent 45 years in construction with over 25 years as a project superintendent on projects with value up to and over $200 M, so I have seen just about everything in construction. A very pleased customer!
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.
Read more
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.
4.79 245 Reviews
Latest review
Refuse to Turn On Panels, over 1 month
Hi We have waited months for Artisan to come out and complete the work at our house. The panels have been in place for months but they refuse to turn them on. They won't call us back and they won't contact our contractor. We are very unhappy and looking to file a complaint with the attorney general.
Read more
Latest review
Refuse to Turn On Panels, over 1 month
Hi We have waited months for Artisan to come out and complete the work at our house. The panels have been in place for months but they refuse to turn them on. They won't call us back and they won't contact our contractor. We are very unhappy and looking to file a complaint with the attorney general.
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.
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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 90 Reviews
Latest review
Sally Hulsman , 1 week ago
Every step of the project was done well. They came recommended to me and they lived up to those recommendations.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$14,750 ($2.95 per watt)
Latest review
Sally Hulsman , 1 week ago
Every step of the project was done well. They came recommended to me and they lived up to those recommendations.
4.70 104 Reviews
Latest review
Scott Rivers, 3 weeks ago
Great reviews and customer service!
Read more
Latest review
Scott Rivers, 3 weeks ago
Great reviews and customer service!
4.63 49 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Ground mount of 36 panel Washington made system with e gauge monitor. Been watching daily through the winter months and we are producing about 1/2 of our power needs, and the best is just beginning! Highly recommend the e gauge monitor (extra 600$) 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.
Read more
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.
4.61 56 Reviews
Latest review
Mitch, over 1 month
Jeff and Bill were amazing to work with! The process was super smooth and they kep me fully informed along the way! They were competitively price and great value for the money!!! I would highly recommend you check them out for your solar project!
Read more
Latest review
Mitch, over 1 month
Jeff and Bill were amazing to work with! The process was super smooth and they kep me fully informed along the way! They were competitively price and great value for the money!!! I would highly recommend you check them out for your solar project!
4.61 26 Reviews
Latest review
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.
Read more
Latest review
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.
4.59 23 Reviews
Latest review
JL from PT, 2 weeks ago
We started looking into a solar installation for our home in early January, not sure if we would proceed or not. Our experience with Dave Campbell in emails and meetings was amazing from the very start. His careful and thoughtful explanations and his patient response to our many questions – in person and in detailed emails - really sold us on this project. When he came out to visit, he responded to the complexities of our site with ingenious technical solutions. His team of installers – Gene, Payton, and Ethan – was equally impressive. Gene, the lead electrician, is very creative and observant, and like Dave is astute about finding ways to work within and around the constraints of old houses. He is also wonderfully personable and thoughtful – he gave us options and kept us up to date on their hours, plans, and potential roadblocks. He even spotted an entirely unrelated problem in our attic that we did not know about and were able to easily fix. The crew was amazingly efficient and perfectly on time with what they had projected. The inspection and utility visits went exactly as Dave had described, and the final walk through was super informative, allowing me to use the monitoring app very quickly. I could not have imagined a better experience. I have become a huge fan of the amazing Cascadia Solar team - and this experience adds to my growing list of great outcomes with Fredrickson Electric as well.
Read more
Latest review
JL from PT, 2 weeks ago
We started looking into a solar installation for our home in early January, not sure if we would proceed or not. Our experience with Dave Campbell in emails and meetings was amazing from the very start. His careful and thoughtful explanations and his patient response to our many questions – in person and in detailed emails - really sold us on this project. When he came out to visit, he responded to the complexities of our site with ingenious technical solutions. His team of installers – Gene, Payton, and Ethan – was equally impressive. Gene, the lead electrician, is very creative and observant, and like Dave is astute about finding ways to work within and around the constraints of old houses. He is also wonderfully personable and thoughtful – he gave us options and kept us up to date on their hours, plans, and potential roadblocks. He even spotted an entirely unrelated problem in our attic that we did not know about and were able to easily fix. The crew was amazingly efficient and perfectly on time with what they had projected. The inspection and utility visits went exactly as Dave had described, and the final walk through was super informative, allowing me to use the monitoring app very quickly. I could not have imagined a better experience. I have become a huge fan of the amazing Cascadia Solar team - and this experience adds to my growing list of great outcomes with Fredrickson Electric as well.
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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