Solar panel cost Seattle: Prices & data 2021
Updated: February 27, 2021As of Mar 2021, the average cost of solar panels in Seattle is $2.77 per watt making a typical 6000 watt (6 kW) solar system $12,278 after claiming the 26% federal solar tax credit now available.
This is lower than the average price of residential solar power systems across the United States which is currently $3.00 per watt.
Installed Seattle solar system cost by:
Solar panel installation cost in Seattle
The size of a solar panel system also plays a role in how much the installation will cost.
Larger solar installations will typically have a lower cost per watt, because the panels can be purchased at a ‘bulk price’. However, these larger solar systems will still have a higher total cost, because they are made up of more individual panels.
Table 2: Average cost of residential solar systems by system size
| System size* | Avg cost per watt |
Avg system cost
(After tax credit) show before tax |
|---|---|---|
| 4kW | $3.01 | $8,920 |
| 5kW | $2.90 | $10,737 |
| 6kW | $2.77 | $12,278 |
| 7kW | $2.74 | $14,200 |
| 8kW | $2.77 | $16,382 |
| 9kW | $2.67 | $17,772 |
| 10kW | $2.64 | $19,570 |
Seattle solar cost and savings calculator
Best unit price
$562.50 ($1.50 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$11,931.63
($2.45 p/w)
LG375A1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$430.00 ($1.15 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,718.32
($2.61 p/w)
LG375Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
375 watts
Efficiency
21.7
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$320.00 ($0.96 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,523.93
($2.49 p/w)
LG335N1K-V5 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
19.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$473.34 ($1.30 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$13,025.23
($2.55 p/w)
LG365Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
365 watts
Efficiency
21.1
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
KR
Best unit price
$291.18 ($0.88 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,008.02
($2.43 p/w)
VBH330RA03K overview
Rated power
330 watts
Efficiency
19.7
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Mono-crystalline Silicon
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$340.00 ($1.00 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$14,280.00
($2.80 p/w)
VBHN340SA17 HIT+ overview
Rated power
340 watts
Efficiency
20.3
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$297.60 ($0.89 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,059.05
($2.60 p/w)
VBHN335SA17 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
20
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$432.00 ($1.31 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,202.42
($2.47 p/w)
VBHN330SA17E overview
Rated power
330 watts
Efficiency
19.7
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$600.00 ($1.83 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$11,968.01
($2.44 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-COM overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$800.00 ($2.22 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,335.47
($2.45 p/w)
SPR-X22-360 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
22.2
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,803.99
($2.61 p/w)
SPR-E20-327-D-AC overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$620.00 ($1.90 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,717.55
($2.59 p/w)
SPR-E20-327 overview
Rated power
327 watts
Efficiency
20.4
Number of Cells
96
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$205.00 ($0.58 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$11,951.44
($2.40 p/w)
CS3U-355PB-AG overview
Rated power
355 watts
Efficiency
17.7
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
polycrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$240.01 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.8kW system
$12,341.39
($2.57 p/w)
CS3W-400PB-AG overview
Rated power
400 watts
Efficiency
17.9
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
polycrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$207.90 ($0.66 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,561.32
($2.49 p/w)
CS3K-315MS overview
Rated power
315 watts
Efficiency
18.96
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono-crystalline Silicon
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$247.00 ($0.75 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,948.87
($2.62 p/w)
CS1H-330MS BLACK overview
Rated power
330 watts
Efficiency
19.57
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Mono-crystalline Silicon
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$165.00 ($0.53 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,079.73
($2.44 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-310M overview
Rated power
310 watts
Efficiency
18.7
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$196.11 ($0.65 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$12,310.27
($2.41 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-300M overview
Rated power
300 watts
Efficiency
18.1
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$172.00 ($0.56 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$11,840.67
($2.43 p/w)
LR6-60-HPB-305M overview
Rated power
305 watts
Efficiency
18.4
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$228.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$11,854.42
($2.40 p/w)
LR4-60HPH-380M overview
Rated power
380 watts
Efficiency
20.9
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
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.
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 90 Reviews
Latest review
Sally Hulsman , 4 days 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 ($2.95 per watt)
Latest review
Sally Hulsman , 4 days ago
Every step of the project was done well. They came recommended to me and they lived up to those recommendations.
4.70 103 Reviews
Latest review
Frank, over 1 month
This is my third set of panels. They have done an amazing job each time.
Read more
Latest review
Frank, over 1 month
This is my third set of panels. They have done an amazing job each time.
4.63 49 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Ground mount of 36 panel Washington made system with e gauge monitor. Been watching daily through the winter months and we are producing about 1/2 of our power needs, and the best is just beginning! Highly recommend the e gauge monitor (extra 600$) 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.
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.
4.59 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.
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 />
Read more
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 !!
How much do solar systems using the most common brands of solar panels cost in Seattle in 2021?
Where there is no specific pricing information available for a brand then we have used state pricing data for that brand.
Table 2: Local solar panel manufacturers
| Solar panel manufacturer | Avg. cost per watt |
|---|---|
| Canadian Solar | $2.60 |
| LG Solar | $3.03 |
| SunPower | $3.17 |
| Panasonic | $3.07 |
| LONGi Solar | $2.52 |
Tesla solar panel prices in Washington
Tesla is one of the only companies that displays their installed system pricing online. We are encouraging more solar companies to do the same. They have a very poor reputation for customer service on reviews websites like ours however we applaud their move to bring pricing transparency to the residential solar industry.
Table 4: Tesla system prices
| Type | Size | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Grid Tied | 4.08 kW | $8,160 |
| Grid Tied | 8.16 kW | $16,320 |
| Grid Tied | 12.24 kW | $24,480 |
| Grid Tied | 16.32 kW | $32,640 |
Note: Prices for installed Tesla systems are shown before the 26% federal solar tax credit.
Why solar panel cost should not be your only consideration when buying solar panels for your home
The most important difference between buying solar panels and any other purchase is that solar panels last 25-30 years. This is a long, long time and you will need customer service over all that time. The reviews below of the two largest corporate solar installation companies indicate larger corporate solar companies are not delivering this support to their customers.
We recommend you find a small or mid-size, local, family-owned solar company. These companies tend to care more about you and your specific job. You don't want to be on hold to a corporation's call center for the next 25 years!
What other factors affect the cost of solar panels for your home?
The cost of solar doesn't just include the equipment and installation costs - it’s also made up of permitting costs, inspection costs, and installer profit margins.
Chart 2: What is the breakdown of cost in an installed residential solar system? (cents per watt)
These different components are what make the price of solar fluctuate between installations. Some of the factors that affect solar power system installation costs for specific homes include:
The amount of electricity your home uses
Homes that use more electricity will need more solar panels to cover their energy needs.
Although solar panels do get cheaper on a per-watt basis, the overall cost of the system will increase as more panels are added.
But, the higher a home’s energy usage, the more solar panels can save the homeowners on their energy bills.
The type of solar panels you buy
The price of solar panels can vary depending on the type of solar panels you choose.
There are two main types of solar panels for residential solar installations: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline solar panels tend to be more efficient and more expensive than other solar panels. Polycrystalline panels have a lower efficiency rating and come at a lower price point.
The type of inverter you buy will also influence the cost of your solar system.
The quality of your solar installation
You may see some solar quotes with prices that seem too good to be true.
If you get quoted for a ridiculously cheap price, the installer might be using low-quality equipment or an unsustainable pricing model. You want to use a solar installer that is charging enough so that they can stay in business - as you’ll be relying on them for the next 25 years!
It’s important to make sure that your installer is giving you the best quality at the best price possible. This is why getting multiple solar quotes is so important.
Federal, state, and local solar incentives
The overall cost of solar can be influenced by the solar incentives available.
Across the U.S., homeowners can apply for the federal solar tax credit, also called the ITC. The solar tax credit makes installing solar more cost-effective by providing homeowners with a tax credit equal to 26% of the cost of their installed solar panel system.
Local solar tax incentives and rebates can end up saving homeowners thousands on a solar installation, especially when they’re used with the federal solar tax credit.
See what solar incentives are available in your area by using our solar panel calculator.
How is the cost of solar panels offset by solar tax credits in Seattle?
The cost of installing residential solar panels in Seattle varies with the brand of solar panels and inverters you choose, the installation company you choose to install them, the relative ease or difficulty of installing solar panels on your home, and of course the amount of solar panels you need. The amount of solar panels you need is, in turn, related to your energy usage.
Are solar panels worth it in Seattle in 2021
The table below shows the data extracted from a real life quote delivered through the SolarReviews marketplace recently for a fairly typical home in Seattle.
As you can see the payback period is relatively short and equates to a much better return on investment than he historical returns that have been available from investing in things like shares or property.
Table 2: Cost, savings and payback period for an average residential solar system in Seattle
| System information | Value |
|---|---|
| System Size (for 100% usage offset) | 12.57 kW |
| Annual power generation | 19,736 kWh |
| Pay-back time (assuming Cash purchase) | 8 Years |
| Internal rate of return (IRR) on investment | 8.8% |
| Gross cost | $28,166 |
| Total Upfront Incentives and Rebates | -$7,322 |
| Net Cost of System after rebated and incentives | $20,839 |
| Total Cost of Utility Power Avoided over 25 years | $67,458 |
Please note that the investment return figures do not include the possible increase in property value
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