Solar panel cost Seattle: Prices & data 2022
Updated: November 24, 2022As of Dec 2022, the average cost of solar panels in Seattle is $2.77 per watt making a typical 6000 watt (6 kW) solar system $11,614 after claiming the 30% 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 | $8,438 |
| 5kW | $2.90 | $10,156 |
| 6kW | $2.77 | $11,614 |
| 7kW | $2.74 | $13,432 |
| 8kW | $2.77 | $15,496 |
| 9kW | $2.67 | $16,812 |
| 10kW | $2.64 | $18,512 |
Seattle solar cost and savings calculator
Best unit price
$320.00 ($0.96 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,721.85
($2.53 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
$562.50 ($1.50 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,120.18
($2.49 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
$12,919.30
($2.65 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
$473.34 ($1.30 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$13,231.07
($2.59 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
$432.00 ($1.20 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,276.66
($2.63 p/w)
LG360Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
20.8
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$530.85 ($1.50 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,386.87
($2.49 p/w)
LG355Q1K-V5 overview
Rated power
355 watts
Efficiency
20.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$495.00 ($1.38 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$13,091.06
($2.60 p/w)
LG360Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
360 watts
Efficiency
20.8
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$407.97 ($1.10 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.2kW system
$13,159.30
($2.54 p/w)
LG370Q1C-V5 overview
Rated power
370 watts
Efficiency
21.4
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$323.39 ($0.97 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$12,691.01
($2.53 p/w)
LG335N1C-V5 overview
Rated power
335 watts
Efficiency
19.6
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$338.19 ($0.99 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$0.00
($0.00 p/w)
LG340N1C-V5 overview
Rated power
340 watts
Efficiency
19.8
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline/N-type
Manufactured
US
Best unit price
$600.00 ($1.83 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$12,808.41
($2.61 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
$13,201.67
($2.62 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
$13,703.10
($2.79 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
$13,610.59
($2.77 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
$181.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$11,003.04
($2.16 p/w)
CS6K-300MS overview
Rated power
300 watts
Efficiency
18.33
Number of Cells
60
Cell type
Monocrystalline
Manufactured
CA
Best unit price
$196.11 ($0.65 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$9,948.02
($1.95 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
$9,568.53
($1.96 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
$165.00 ($0.53 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.0kW system
$9,761.72
($1.97 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
$228.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 4.9kW system
$9,579.65
($1.94 p/w)
LR4-60HPH-380M overview
Rated power
380 watts
Efficiency
20.9
Number of Cells
120
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
Best unit price
$234.00 ($0.60 per watt)
Best system price
Installed 5.1kW system
$10,126.74
($2.00 p/w)
LR6-72HBD-390M overview
Rated power
390 watts
Efficiency
19.4
Number of Cells
144
Cell type
Mono PERC
Manufactured
CN
4.83 246 Reviews
Latest review
James Burke, over 1 month
Excellent company with experienced and highly qualified workers
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Latest review
James Burke, over 1 month
Excellent company with experienced and highly qualified workers
4.82 193 Reviews
Latest review
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.
Read more
Latest review
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.
4.81 103 Reviews
Latest review
LakeCityWADeweller, over 1 month
A&R Solar installed our solar panels and 3 powerwalls. Clean and Fast install. It was done right at the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak. They all wore masks and were extremely diligent about how they did things. Yes, they had to run very thick cabling from our electrical panel to the Powerwalls in the garage (yes you can stack them to save space). The conduit was installed the basement ceiling. The pathway required them to navigate water pipes, gas, computer cabling and electrical wiring while allowing us free access to downstairs area. Let me tell you - it was amazing and fast. My hat is off to a group of people who really know what they are doing. Later, when our inverter died, it was under warranty, they replaced it no charge. It was done in a week (they had to get the replacement part).
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$14,750 ($2.95 per watt)
Latest review
LakeCityWADeweller, over 1 month
A&R Solar installed our solar panels and 3 powerwalls. Clean and Fast install. It was done right at the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak. They all wore masks and were extremely diligent about how they did things. Yes, they had to run very thick cabling from our electrical panel to the Powerwalls in the garage (yes you can stack them to save space). The conduit was installed the basement ceiling. The pathway required them to navigate water pipes, gas, computer cabling and electrical wiring while allowing us free access to downstairs area. Let me tell you - it was amazing and fast. My hat is off to a group of people who really know what they are doing. Later, when our inverter died, it was under warranty, they replaced it no charge. It was done in a week (they had to get the replacement part).
4.79 109 Reviews
Latest review
Kathy, over 1 month
I am thrilled with my experience with Sunergy Systems! I just reviewed my Seattle City Light bill and it's astonishing how much I am saving year over year! My bill dropped 75%! The Sunergy team was incredibly knowledgeable and professional. They were on time for every appointment and super informative. They were also cost competitive and continue to check in to make sure I understand everything. I highly recommend them!
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Latest review
Kathy, over 1 month
I am thrilled with my experience with Sunergy Systems! I just reviewed my Seattle City Light bill and it's astonishing how much I am saving year over year! My bill dropped 75%! The Sunergy team was incredibly knowledgeable and professional. They were on time for every appointment and super informative. They were also cost competitive and continue to check in to make sure I understand everything. I highly recommend them!
4.79 129 Reviews
Latest review
Salty Sailor , over 1 month
Customer service was fantastic. Very responsive to our needs and schedule. Installers have great chemistry and I can't speak highly enough about their work. You'd be making the wrong move to go with anyone else. Best on the OP!
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Latest review
Salty Sailor , over 1 month
Customer service was fantastic. Very responsive to our needs and schedule. Installers have great chemistry and I can't speak highly enough about their work. You'd be making the wrong move to go with anyone else. Best on the OP!
4.71 112 Reviews
Latest review
Nate, 3 weeks ago
-Install was fast once planned. Took more time and had more issues dealing with PSE. -Contract and price were reasonable (with an annoyance) -They really wanted a review quickly, I wanted to wait for a while to see how things worked: It's been up for 3+ months and no problems so far. -The manufacturer was out of the panels originally planned, Fire Mountain moved my install down to the next smaller wattage panels at the same price. They went on about delays to the install and contract cost changes to get panels of the original wattage or larger. I was not pleased about that.
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Latest review
Nate, 3 weeks ago
-Install was fast once planned. Took more time and had more issues dealing with PSE. -Contract and price were reasonable (with an annoyance) -They really wanted a review quickly, I wanted to wait for a while to see how things worked: It's been up for 3+ months and no problems so far. -The manufacturer was out of the panels originally planned, Fire Mountain moved my install down to the next smaller wattage panels at the same price. They went on about delays to the install and contract cost changes to get panels of the original wattage or larger. I was not pleased about that.
4.65 62 Reviews
Latest review
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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Latest review
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
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.
4.63 26 Reviews
Latest review
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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Latest review
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
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.
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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.
How much do solar systems using the most common brands of solar panels cost in Seattle in 2022?
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 |
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.
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. The solar tax credit makes installing solar more cost-effective by providing homeowners with a tax credit equal to 30% 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 2022
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