Solar Panel Cost in Seattle, WA (2026 Estimate)

BySunMetricLab Editorial Team·Independent solar research and calculators

Data last updated September 10, 2026

Seattle averages about 3.7 peak sun hours a day (below the national average, matching the Washington statewide average), and pairs with Washington's approximate residential rate near 11¢/kWh. In the model used here, an 8 kW system produces roughly 8,640 kWh a year and trims about $1,000 off annual electricity costs, paying back its net cost in about 17.7 years . Local shading, roof, and your utility's export terms move the real figure.

Estimated system cost and payback in Seattle

Costs assume roughly $3.00/watt installed; the net column applies a 30% federal credit for comparison with quotes that include it. Savings use Seattle's sun hours and Washington's rate.

The 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit ended for systems paid for after December 31, 2025 under the 2025 federal budget law. Net-after-credit figures apply only if you still qualify (for example a 2025 expenditure, or a leased system where the installer passes a credit through). Confirm with a tax professional.

Net metering and utilities around Seattle

Washington's net metering statute covers systems up to 100 kilowatts and requires every utility to credit exports at the retail rate, kilowatt-hour for kilowatt-hour, until its cumulative net metered capacity reaches four percent of its 1996 peak demand. Credits roll forward month to month, but any surplus remaining on March 31 is zeroed out with no payment, so a system sized to produce far more than you use over a year hands the excess to the utility for free.

Puget Sound Energy is the largest utility, serving the suburbs around Seattle and much of western Washington, while Seattle City Light and Tacoma Power are big municipal systems, Avista serves Spokane and the east, Pacific Power covers the southeast, and public utility districts such as Snohomish, Clark, Chelan, Grant, Douglas, and Benton serve their counties. Hydropower makes Washington's electricity some of the cheapest in the country, and in mid-Columbia PUD territory rates can be a third of the national average, which stretches solar payback considerably. Puget Sound Energy and Seattle City Light charge closer to typical rates and use tiered residential pricing, making solar more attractive there despite cloudier skies. Eastern Washington gets substantially more sun but pairs it with lower rates.

For the full state picture, including incentives, property and sales tax treatment and the complete net metering notes, see the Washington solar cost page.