Solar panel cost Seattle: Prices & data 2024
Updated: October 30, 2024As of Nov 2024, 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
4.82 198 Reviews
Latest review
Glenn, over 1 month
We are very pleased with the battery installation that Whidbey Sun & Wind completed last month. The battery addition was an add on to the solar installation they performed five years ago. Both of these installations were performed professionally and quickly. The workmanship and quality are best in class. The fact that we used them for our battery installation supports our high rating and our recommendation to use them for your alternative energy needs. From the project manager to the installers, they are personable, knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions you have about the project, the system and operation.
Read more
Latest review
Glenn, over 1 month
We are very pleased with the battery installation that Whidbey Sun & Wind completed last month. The battery addition was an add on to the solar installation they performed five years ago. Both of these installations were performed professionally and quickly. The workmanship and quality are best in class. The fact that we used them for our battery installation supports our high rating and our recommendation to use them for your alternative energy needs. From the project manager to the installers, they are personable, knowledgeable and willing to answer any questions you have about the project, the system and operation.
4.74 130 Reviews
Latest review
Joe Springer, over 1 month
I had 3 solar outfits bid the job. One national outfit was astronomically more and Fire Mountain and the other were almost exactly the same. I decided to go local, and I’m glad I did. We have had a bunch of contractors and vendors at our house as we try to rehab it and I’ve grown used to unresponsiveness, delays, excuses, and unclear bids. Fire Mountain has been the one exception. They were responsive and helpful, there were no overruns. They ended up having an earlier opening and said they had a 3 day window where they could fit us in. I thought to myself “3 days” for a pretty large solar project, this is gonna drag on. Sure enough they banged it out in 3 days, left no mess, and even after the inspection they were out the next day to square away the small things the inspector wanted. In the last year I have had plumbers, HVAC, builders, electricians, landscapers, fence guys, etc at our house and Fire Mountain was not only the best experience, but probably the best in every category (responsiveness, timeliness, cost, professionalism, etc). I don’t do a lot of 5 star reviews but this is an easy one.
Read more
Latest review
Joe Springer, over 1 month
I had 3 solar outfits bid the job. One national outfit was astronomically more and Fire Mountain and the other were almost exactly the same. I decided to go local, and I’m glad I did. We have had a bunch of contractors and vendors at our house as we try to rehab it and I’ve grown used to unresponsiveness, delays, excuses, and unclear bids. Fire Mountain has been the one exception. They were responsive and helpful, there were no overruns. They ended up having an earlier opening and said they had a 3 day window where they could fit us in. I thought to myself “3 days” for a pretty large solar project, this is gonna drag on. Sure enough they banged it out in 3 days, left no mess, and even after the inspection they were out the next day to square away the small things the inspector wanted. In the last year I have had plumbers, HVAC, builders, electricians, landscapers, fence guys, etc at our house and Fire Mountain was not only the best experience, but probably the best in every category (responsiveness, timeliness, cost, professionalism, etc). I don’t do a lot of 5 star reviews but this is an easy one.
4.74 113 Reviews
Latest review
David D, over 1 month
This group is amazing. I interviewed 5 different groups and chose them since their personal process of identifying your solar needs, inspecting your roof for adequate accommodation for solar, determining how many panels you need and the type of panels, just to name a few, made installing panels made good sense and ease. They are also locally owned and operated. They follow up also for any concerns and monitor your system up to 25 yrs so you really develop a Longterm relationship with them. They have been great to work with and recommend them highly !
Read more
Latest review
David D, over 1 month
This group is amazing. I interviewed 5 different groups and chose them since their personal process of identifying your solar needs, inspecting your roof for adequate accommodation for solar, determining how many panels you need and the type of panels, just to name a few, made installing panels made good sense and ease. They are also locally owned and operated. They follow up also for any concerns and monitor your system up to 25 yrs so you really develop a Longterm relationship with them. They have been great to work with and recommend them highly !
4.70 29 Reviews
Latest review
Ellen Casseday, over 1 month
Power Northwest did a great presentation of the solar product, made a competitive offer and did a great job installing the product. We were very pleased with all aspects of the process.
Read more
Latest review
Ellen Casseday, over 1 month
Power Northwest did a great presentation of the solar product, made a competitive offer and did a great job installing the product. We were very pleased with all aspects of the process.
4.69 106 Reviews
Latest review
Pettibone, over 1 month
In May we got a qoute from A & R for a 25.2 kw system. After a bit of back and forth, we were promised a first year production of just under 31,000 for just over $71,000, beating a competitors bid by about $3,000. While they were slow to respond, and failed to male changes to the design based on being told multiple times that their design did not fit the south side of our house (we even provided them with the competitors design and pictures), we went with them because we were promised that they would honor the price and production promises if changes had to be made after the on site survey. We signed the contract towards the end of June, and we're supposed to have the install occur beginning of September. after the on site survey, they came back wanting to reduce the size of the system to 22.6 kw, for a higher price and massive reduction in promised production. First seemed to think we'd accept this smaller system for the same price, and then that we'd be ok with a system producing around $500 less worth of power per year for the same price. Now they seem to think thar we'd accept a $90,000 system for the agreed to production when the competitors offer was $74,000 and seem to think that canceling the contract would fit the electing to cancel cause in the contract, rather than termination with cause.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$14,750 ($2.95 per watt)
Latest review
Pettibone, over 1 month
In May we got a qoute from A & R for a 25.2 kw system. After a bit of back and forth, we were promised a first year production of just under 31,000 for just over $71,000, beating a competitors bid by about $3,000. While they were slow to respond, and failed to male changes to the design based on being told multiple times that their design did not fit the south side of our house (we even provided them with the competitors design and pictures), we went with them because we were promised that they would honor the price and production promises if changes had to be made after the on site survey. We signed the contract towards the end of June, and we're supposed to have the install occur beginning of September. after the on site survey, they came back wanting to reduce the size of the system to 22.6 kw, for a higher price and massive reduction in promised production. First seemed to think we'd accept this smaller system for the same price, and then that we'd be ok with a system producing around $500 less worth of power per year for the same price. Now they seem to think thar we'd accept a $90,000 system for the agreed to production when the competitors offer was $74,000 and seem to think that canceling the contract would fit the electing to cancel cause in the contract, rather than termination with cause.
4.65 62 Reviews
Latest review
Barrett Anderson, over 1 month
Nick and his team went above and beyond, making sure everything was correct, even cleaning up the patio they had worked in after finishing the project.
Read more
Latest review
Barrett Anderson, over 1 month
Nick and his team went above and beyond, making sure everything was correct, even cleaning up the patio they had worked in after finishing the project.
4.63 49 Reviews
Latest review
Anonymous, over 1 month
Ground mount of 36 panel Washington made system with e gauge monitor. Been watching daily through the winter months and we are producing about 1/2 of our power needs, and the best is just beginning! Highly recommend the e gauge monitor (extra 600$) 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.
4.61 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 29 Reviews
Latest review
Gopal, over 1 month
My recent collaboration with Sun Path Solar on solar panel installation, was truly beyond my expectations. Not only did the team, led by Kristy and Sonja, provide exceptional customer service, but their depth of knowledge and professionalism were also evident throughout the project. They ensured all my questions were answered in full detail, maintaining clear and consistent communication from start to finish. A noteworthy moment was when one of the installers went above and beyond by assisting me with a garage door issue, a gesture of service that really stood out. Additionally, a month after the project completion, when I reached out with a question regarding the Enphase app, Kristy was incredibly helpful in providing the assistance I needed. For anyone considering solar energy solutions, Sun Path Solar comes highly recommended.
Read more
Latest review
Gopal, over 1 month
My recent collaboration with Sun Path Solar on solar panel installation, was truly beyond my expectations. Not only did the team, led by Kristy and Sonja, provide exceptional customer service, but their depth of knowledge and professionalism were also evident throughout the project. They ensured all my questions were answered in full detail, maintaining clear and consistent communication from start to finish. A noteworthy moment was when one of the installers went above and beyond by assisting me with a garage door issue, a gesture of service that really stood out. Additionally, a month after the project completion, when I reached out with a question regarding the Enphase app, Kristy was incredibly helpful in providing the assistance I needed. For anyone considering solar energy solutions, Sun Path Solar comes highly recommended.
4.52 1,953 Reviews
Latest review
Landon, 5 days ago
I had applied to a door to door sales position and scheduled a 1-1 zoom call from 1:50pm-2:10pm wed 10/30/2024. Interviewer never showed up. Didn't even bother to communicate if something came up. How can you trust a company that doesn't care about its employees... waisted 20min of my time.
Read more
Latest review
Landon, 5 days ago
I had applied to a door to door sales position and scheduled a 1-1 zoom call from 1:50pm-2:10pm wed 10/30/2024. Interviewer never showed up. Didn't even bother to communicate if something came up. How can you trust a company that doesn't care about its employees... waisted 20min of my time.
How much do solar systems using the most common brands of solar panels cost in Seattle in 2024?
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 |
| LONGi Solar | $2.52 |
| LG Solar | $3.03 |
| Panasonic | $3.07 |
| SunPower | $3.17 |
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 2024
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