WASHINGTON
Solar in Washington
More than likely, if you live in the Olympic rain shadow, you’ve doubted the viability of solar energy in Washington State. If so, you’d likely be surprised to know that even the cloudiest parts of the Evergreen State receive more solar energy than Germany, the most solar-productive country in the world.*
Washington is a complex state in terms of calculating days of sunshine since different regions of the state have such distinct climates and seasonal variations. To hear that the state averages of 165 sunny days per year (compared to the U.S. average of 205)* sounds high for Seattle residents but low for those in Yakima or further east.
While the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) currently ranks Washington 36th in the nation* for solar power, the state’s progressive policies and Renewable Energy Portfolio Standards have made it a pivotal area for clean energy.
Solar potential in Washington?
Washington has an excellent potential for solar energy. The state receives an average of 5.3 hours of sunlight per day, which is well above the national average of 3.8 hours of sunlight per day. This means that Washington has a good potential for solar energy generation.
Washington State currently produces 258.2 MW of solar energy each year. Though the production rates seem low compared to solar havens like California and Nevada, the SEIA expects the state to almost quadruple its solar output in the next five years.*
Cost of solar in Virginia?
The cost of a home solar system can vary due to a range of factors, even in the same state. These include:
Household energy needs
HOA requirements
Quality of the solar panels
Roof angle
In Washington, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $13,250 to $14,900, or in other words, from $2.65 to $2.98 per watt. And that’s before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.
Throughout the United States, the average cost of solar panels for a home has decreased by 80% over the past decade. Solar energy projects can vary as well, including large-scale ventures like comprehensive installations or power farms and small consumer installations for individual homes.
Advantages?
Reduced electricity bills: Solar panels can generate electricity for your home, which can help you reduce your electricity bills. The amount of savings you can expect will vary depending on the size of your solar system, the amount of sunlight your home receives, and your current electricity rates.
Increased home value: Solar panels can increase the value of your home. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that homes with solar panels sell for an average of $15,000 more than homes without solar panels.
Environmental benefits: Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy. It does not produce any emissions, which can help to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Solar energy can also help to make Washington a more sustainable state.
Job creation: The solar industry is a growing industry in Washington state. The industry employs thousands of people in the state, and it is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
Self-reliance: Solar panels can help you become more self-reliant on energy. This can be a valuable asset in the event of a power outage.
Disadvantages?
Shade: Solar panels need direct sunlight to generate electricity. If your home is in a shady area, or things are covering your panels you may not be able to generate as much electricity with solar panels.
Weather: Some Solar panels can be damaged by hail, snow, and strong winds. However, our solar panels are designed to withstand these conditions and even extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, tornado, and blizzards.
Panels aesthetic: Our solar panels are different. They are all black, sleek, and thin. They have a more modern look. Some people find solar panels on homes unattractive and if your feel like that we also offer Ground mount installations. It’s a great option if you have open land that receives good sunlight.
Washington state policies?
Net metering: Washington has a net metering policy that allows homeowners to sell excess solar power back to their utility company at the retail rate. This means that for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of solar power that you generate and send back to the grid, you will receive a credit on your electricity bill.
Property tax exemptions: Washington exempts homeowners from paying property taxes on the increased value of their home that is due to solar panels. This means that if you install solar panels and your home value increases by $15,000, you will not have to pay property taxes on that $15,000.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs): Washington offers Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) to homeowners who generate solar power. SRECs are tradable certificates that represent 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of solar generation. Utilities are required to purchase SRECs from solar generators in order to meet their renewable energy goals. The price of SRECs varies depending on the market, but they can provide an additional source of income for homeowners who generate solar power.
Rebate: The state of Washington offers a rebate of up to $5,000 for homeowners who install solar panels. The rebate is available for systems that are installed on single-family homes, duplexes, and triplexes.
Tax credit: The federal government offers a tax credit of 26% for the cost of installing solar panels. The tax credit is available for systems that are installed on homes and businesses.
Maintaining solar panels?
Solar panels are relatively low-maintenance. However, you should have them cleaned every few years to remove dirt, dust, and debris. You can clean your solar panels yourself, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.
What's the best way to go solar?
Are you interested in going solar in Washington? If so, we can help!
Before going solar, be sure to keep in mind factors that will affect the output of clean energy to your home. For instance, South-facing roofs generate the most energy, followed by west-facing roofs. North-facing roofs generate the least amount of energy. We look into multiple aspects to make sure you have the most effective setup such as roof orientation, roof pitch, shade, and weather.
We offer a free virtual consultation and savings report to help you determine if solar is right for you. We will also help you access solar incentives and rebates to reduce the cost of installation.
Freedom Forever solar panels system is Top-Tier and backed by a 25-year full system production guarantee. We also offer a satisfaction guarantee, so you can be sure that you are making the right decision and test it out stress free.
If you are interested in learning more about solar power in Washington, please contact us today for a free virtual consultation.
We look forward to helping you make the switch to solar!