Do you live in Washington? Have you been considering making the switch to solar energy for your home? If you answered “yes” to these questions, it is time to sit down and do some serious research about your energy options. Is solar worth it in Washington? Are you going to save money on your energy bills by making that switch?

Switching to solar panels is not a decision to be made lightly. There are many factors to consider, including the initial cost of installation. But there are also numerous benefits to be had from making the switch to solar in Washington.

If you live in Washington and  are considering switching to solar energy for your home, keep reading to learn more about the costs and the incentives.

Reasons to Consider Going Solar

There are several reasons why people switch to solar energy across the United States, including Washington. For one thing, it is better for the environment than other sources of energy. In addition, you won’t be leaving as much of a carbon footprint if you use solar energy in your home. So what are some other reasons for going solar?

Savings

Many people choose solar energy because of the money they can save. While there is the cost to install the system, it will eventually pay for itself over time. You will save money on your electricity bills, and your electric provider will even give you credit towards the power you sell back to them.

Property Value

Did you know that installing solar panels on your roof will increase the value of your home? After just a few years, your system will be paying for itself. It will also add a value of about $20,000 to your home. If you sell your home, you can factor this amount into the asking price.

Tax Incentives

The US Government offers incentives to homeowners considering taking the greener route and installing solar panels on their roofs. Depending on your location, you could be eligible for a tax credit of as much as 30 percent if you make the switch.

Home Protection

Many people don’t realize that installing kinmaster on their roofs can help increase the lifespan of their roofs. Because the panels are installed on top of roofing shingles, they give an added layer of protection against rain, snow, and high winds. In addition, you will have fewer roofing repairs to worry about if you install solar panels.

The Cost to Go Solar in Washington

Many factors come into play when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels on your roof. As of November 2021, the price for a solar panel, on average, is $2.61 per watt. This is quite a bit lower than the national average of $3 per watt. On average, a solar installation in Washington is generally about 5 kilowatts, for a total cost that would range between $12,000 and $15,000.

Of course, this number is subject to change, especially if you take advantage of the rebates and incentives that are in place for homeowners who want to switch to solar in Washington. However, you could end up saving thousands of dollars through these incentives.

When switching to solar, you need to look at the initial costs and the long-term savings. The cost will depend on the size of the system you are installing, and a large system will cost more because it uses more panels. However, if the panels are purchased in bulk, you could also see a significant discount by installing a more extensive system. Also, the larger the system, the more money you will save over time because you will be spending less, or even nothing, on traditional electricity.

Here is a quick rundown of the cost of the average solar energy system in Washington. These numbers do not take into account federal and other incentives.

There are several factors to consider when installing a solar panel system. First, you will need to look at the energy consumption in your household. The number of people living in a home and the amount of electricity each person uses will impact the installation cost.

You will also need to consider the cost-effectiveness of both types of solar panels. While a large system with multiple panels may be more expensive to install, it may be more efficient over time if you use a lot of electricity.

The Future of Solar in Washington Looks Bright

Okay, so there is a lot of cloudy weather in Washington. Does this mean that it wouldn’t really be worth it to make the switch to solar energy? After all, if there isn’t much sun, there won’t be much energy, right? Actually, poor weather conditions are not stopping people in Washington from looking at alternative forms of energy, including solar power.

Not only are there many benefits to going solar, even in Washington, but there are also a lot of great incentives. These include property tax incentives, federal incentives, and more. In addition, the availability of net metering and solar easements and rights are also good reasons to consider making the switch to solar in Washington.

Additional Cost Factors to Consider

You may be wondering about additional cost factors and how long it will take to see a return on your investment if you go solar. On average, it will take a homeowner approximately 14.42 years to see any type of solar payback. But don’t let this dissuade you from going solar. While there are many costs to consider, the benefits will often greatly outweigh those costs.

Financial Savings

Installing solar panels can help you to save money on your electricity bills. The more panels installed, the lower your cost of electricity will be per watt. Of course, the installation cost will be higher, but it will be worth it when you see low electricity bills.

Types of Panels

You can choose from two types of solar panels: monocrystalline and polycrystalline. Monocrystalline panels are highly efficient but more expensive to install. Polycrystalline panels are less costly to install but not as efficient as monocrystalline. You will have to do some research to decide which is the best option for you.

Installation

You will need to carefully look at the cost of solar installations from all companies in your area that perform this service. There are some pretty great deals out there, but the deals are often too good to be true in many cases. You may opt for a cheaper installation, but you likely will not be happy with the final product. The more you spend, the better off you will be in the long run. The best installer charges a high enough rate to keep them in business but low enough to make it affordable for homeowners.

Incentives for Going Solar in Washington

There are many solar incentives in Washington for homeowners. In fact, these incentives are some of the best in the United States. First, there is the federal Investment Tax Credit. This incentive lets you deduct 26 percent of the cost of your system from your federal taxes. So, for instance, if you were to spend a total of $15,000 on a solar energy system, your tax deduction would be nearly $4,000. Other incentives in Washington include net metering availability and solar easements and rights.

Net Metering Availability

This lets you give your excess solar electricity to the grid, and in return, receive credits on electricity bills. So, when you produce extra energy, you get credits that you can use when you aren’t making enough energy. This prevents having to pay for electricity from your local provider.

Solar Easements and Rights

There are solar easement laws in Washington. These laws ensure that your neighbors cannot do anything that will shade your solar panel system on sunny days. In addition, some laws prevent homeowners associations from preventing homeowners from installing solar panels on their roofs.

Conclusion

Solar energy really is the way of the future. It is cost-effective, and it is better for the environment than traditional power sources. If you are a homeowner considering making the switch to solar energy, it is time for you to start looking into all of the costs and benefits. The sooner you do, the sooner you will be on your way to lowering electric bills and saving the environment.

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