Is solar worth it in 98101 (Seattle, WA)?

With an average payback period of 20.7 years and 25-year savings of $17,875, solar panels in Seattle, Washington can be worthwhile with available incentives.

How much do solar panels cost in 98101?

The average cost of a 6kW residential solar system in Seattle, Washington is $14,800 before incentives. The federal 30% Investment Tax Credit reduces this to about $10,360.

How much solar electricity does 98101 get?

Seattle receives 3.78 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiance. A 6kW system in zip code 98101 produces approximately 6,623 kWh per year.

Solar Panel ROI in 98101

Seattle, Washington — Is solar worth it here? Here's what the data says.

1.2x ROI Score

20.7 yrs Payback Period

$715/yr Annual Savings

$17,875 25-Year Savings

Your savings estimate

$ /mo bill

Annual savings $715

Payback 20.7 yrs

25-yr savings $17,875

Solar Calculator for 98101 (Seattle)

Adjust values to see your personalized solar ROI estimate for Seattle, Washington.

System Size

System Cost

Electricity Rate

$ /kWh

Solar Irradiance

3.78 kWh/m²/day

Based on NREL data for Seattle, WA

ROI Score 1.2x

Annual Production 6,623 kWh

Annual Savings $715

Payback Period 20.7 years

25-Year Savings $17,875

After 30% ITC $10,360

Solar Data for 98101 – Seattle, WA

Solar Irradiance 3.78 kWh/m²/day -23.8% vs national avg

vs Washington Avg -0.8% State avg: 3.84 kWh/m²/day

Electricity Rate $0.108/kWh Washington average rate

Annual Production 6,623 kWh 6kW system estimate

Seattle receives 3.78 kWh/m²/day (23.8% below national avg). Despite $0.108/kWh electricity, the 20.7-year payback reflects regional challenges. The 30% federal ITC and state programs can significantly improve the ROI.

Solar Incentives for Seattle, Washington

★

Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Claim 30% of your system cost as a federal tax credit. On a $14,800 system, that's $4,440 back.

★

Net Metering

Most Washington utilities offer net metering — sell excess electricity back to the grid at retail rates, accelerating your payback.

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Washington State Programs

Check with the Washington energy office for additional rebates, tax exemptions, and low-interest solar financing programs available in Seattle.

98101 vs Washington Average

Solar Irradiance

98101: 3.78 WA avg: 3.84

Payback Period

98101: 20.7 yrs WA avg: 21.9 yrs

Annual Savings

98101: $715 WA avg: $676

25-Year Savings

98101: $17,875 WA avg: $16,900

See the full Washington solar guide for statewide data and incentives.

Nearby Zip Codes — Solar Comparison

98103 Seattle, WA 1.2x ROI 20.7 yr payback 98118 Seattle, WA 1.2x ROI 20.6 yr payback 98125 Seattle, WA 1.2x ROI 20.7 yr payback 98003 Federal Way, WA 1.2x ROI 20.6 yr payback 98001 Auburn, WA 1.2x ROI 20.6 yr payback