Solar Panel Cost in Washington State (2026): Prices and Incentives
A home solar system in Washington is priced by the watt, and every system is quoted for the site. We do not publish a fixed price per kilowatt. Size, mounting, equipment and whether you add a battery move the price more than anything else.
For a reference point, the solar quote marketplace EnergySage puts the Washington average at $2.49 per watt in October 2026. That is about $33,337 for its average 13.37 kW home system, before incentives. It is a statewide average of quotes on its marketplace, not our price.
This page explains what drives the cost and what is left in incentives in 2026. The federal home solar tax credit ended on December 31, 2025.
Incentives checked on the Department of Revenue, utility and EnergySage websites on October 20, 2026.
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What drives the cost of a solar system
- System size (kW): a system is sized on your roof and your yearly electricity use. Bigger systems cost more in total but less per kilowatt, because every system needs the same inverter, disconnects, wiring and permit work.
- Solar panels: the panels are about 60% to 70% of the cost of a system, so the panel you choose moves the price most.
- Inverters: a string inverter or micro-inverters convert the panels’ DC power to AC power for your home and the grid.
- Roof or ground mount: a ground mount costs more than a roof mount. It needs its own structure and trenching, and sometimes fencing. A tracker adds cost and complexity again.
- Battery storage: a battery adds to the price but keeps power on in an outage. PSE customers can earn part of it back through PSE Flex. See home battery backup.
- Permit and interconnection: every grid-tied system needs an electrical permit and an interconnection agreement with your utility. We handle both, along with the incentive paperwork.
- Tariffs: new federal tariffs on imported solar equipment are expected to raise panel prices. We explain the Section 232 tariffs in our report from September 2026.
Average solar panel cost in Washington
EnergySage publishes a Washington average from the quotes on its marketplace. Its page, updated October 16, 2026, gives these figures before incentives:
- $2.49 per watt including installation.
- $33,337 for a 13.37 kW system, its average home system size in Washington.
- $28,336 to $38,338 for most quotes on a system that size.
Treat these as a starting point. A smaller system costs more per watt, and a ground mount or a battery adds to the total. A quote for your own roof is the only number that counts, and our site evaluation is free.
Washington solar incentives in 2026
Federal tax credit for homes: ended. The 30% residential credit (IRS Form 5695) ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025. A home system installed in 2026 gets no federal tax credit.
Washington sales tax exemption: still open. A solar system of 1 kW to 100 kW AC is exempt from state and local sales tax, on the equipment and on the installation labor. The installation must be completed by December 31, 2029. That saves around 9%, depending on your local tax rate. You give the installer an exemption certificate, so the tax is not charged.
Net metering: still open. Every utility in our area credits the surplus your panels export at the retail rate, and the credit offsets later bills. See Washington net metering by utility for each utility’s terms.
PSE Flex battery payments (PSE customers): PSE pays $75 per kWh of battery capacity when you enrol, up to $1,000 per battery. It then pays $0.50 per kWh in events, up to $500 per battery a year. Both are paid by check. Details on our PSE Flex page.
PUD solar rebates: none at present. Clallam County PUD and Jefferson County PUD offer rebates for heat pumps, heat pump water heaters and weatherization, not for solar panels (Clallam PUD rebates, Jefferson PUD rebates).
State production incentive: closed. Washington’s annual production incentive program is fully subscribed and takes no new applicants.
Sources: Washington Department of Revenue, solar energy system sales tax exemption and RCW 82.08.962.
Solar cost for businesses and farms
- 30% federal Investment Tax Credit: commercial solar still qualifies for a credit of 30% of the cost of the system, claimed on IRS Form 3468. The IRS start-of-construction rules apply, so check timing with your tax professional.
- USDA REAP grants: the Rural Energy for America Program has covered 25% of the cost of solar for small businesses, farms and ranches in rural areas. Grant rounds change, so ask us what is open.
- Sales tax exemption and net metering: both apply to commercial systems up to 100 kW.
See commercial solar for the projects we have built for schools, farms and businesses.
Paying for a solar system
- Energy Smart Loans from Puget Sound Cooperative Credit Union. Many of our clients have used them.
- Home equity loans from any lender, at market rates.
With net metering you still pay your utility’s monthly service charge. It ranges from about $12 to nearly $48 a month depending on the utility. More on incentives and financing.
Why get your solar quote from Power Trip Energy
- Headquartered in Port Townsend and installing solar on the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas since 2003.
- Over 1,100 installations in the region, on the PSE, Clallam PUD, City of Port Angeles and Jefferson PUD grids.
- NABCEP-certified staff; licensed Washington general contractor (POWERTE934QE) and electrical contractor (POWERTE964JN).
- We handle the site evaluation, system design, utility interconnection, permitting and incentive paperwork.
“We loved our decision to purchase a solar power system from Power Trip Energy. We are supporting the world’s climate health and the local business community, both important to us. Also it was a sound financial move with immediate and long term returns. The staff at Power Trip made the experience fun, easy and rewarding.”
“We could not be more pleased with our new solar array. We knew of Power Trip from friends on Marrowstone Island but became much more interested after hearing Andy speak at a neighborhood gathering. His knowledge of the industry, historical and future-facing, is comprehensive. We have enjoyed all of our interactions with Becky and Mike, who put together our bids, completed our paperwork for system approval, and conducted training on monitoring panel productivity through the app. The installation crew was enjoyable to have around the property — prompt, pleasant, efficient, neat and tidy!”
Solar cost questions
How much do solar panels cost in Washington in 2026?
EnergySage puts the Washington average at $2.49 per watt in October 2026, or about $33,337 for a 13.37 kW home system before incentives. Your price depends on system size, mounting, equipment and whether you add a battery. We quote each system for the site.
Is there still a federal tax credit for home solar in 2026?
No. The 30% residential credit ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025. Commercial systems still qualify for the 30% Investment Tax Credit.
Do I pay sales tax on solar panels in Washington?
No, for a system of 1 kW to 100 kW AC that is installed by December 31, 2029. The exemption covers the equipment and the installation labor, which saves around 9% depending on your local rate.
Does a ground-mounted system cost more than a roof system?
Yes. A ground mount needs its own structure and trenching, and sometimes fencing. It can still be the right choice when the roof is shaded or too small.
Are there solar rebates from Clallam PUD or Jefferson PUD?
Not for solar panels at present. Both PUDs offer net metering and rebates for heat pumps, heat pump water heaters and weatherization. PSE customers can earn PSE Flex payments for a battery.
Why do solar quotes vary so much?
Panels, inverters, mounting and battery choices all change the price. So does system size: a small system costs more per watt. Compare quotes by price per watt and by the warranties.
Solar quotes across the Olympic and Kitsap Peninsulas
We quote and install solar in Port Townsend, Port Ludlow, Sequim, Port Angeles, Bainbridge Island, Poulsbo, Kingston, Silverdale, Bremerton, Port Orchard and Gig Harbor.
Get a solar quote for your home
Tell us about your home or business and your utility. We will size a system to your roof and your yearly use, quote it, and apply every incentive that still applies. Or call the shop, Mon-Fri 8am to 5pm.