Is solar worth it in 98118 (Seattle, WA)?

With an average payback period of 20.6 years and 25-year savings of $17,925, solar panels in Seattle, Washington can be worthwhile with available incentives.

How much do solar panels cost in 98118?

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 98118 get?

Seattle receives 3.79 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiance. A 6kW system in zip code 98118 produces approximately 6,640 kWh per year.

Solar Panel ROI in 98118

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

1.2x ROI Score

20.6 yrs Payback Period

$717/yr Annual Savings

$17,925 25-Year Savings

Your savings estimate

$ /mo bill

Annual savings $717

Payback 20.6 yrs

25-yr savings $17,925

Solar Calculator for 98118 (Seattle)

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

System Size

System Cost

Electricity Rate

$ /kWh

Solar Irradiance

3.79 kWh/m²/day

Based on NREL data for Seattle, WA

ROI Score 1.2x

Annual Production 6,640 kWh

Annual Savings $717

Payback Period 20.6 years

25-Year Savings $17,925

After 30% ITC $10,360

Solar Data for 98118 – Seattle, WA

Solar Irradiance 3.79 kWh/m²/day -23.6% vs national avg

vs Washington Avg -0.5% State avg: 3.84 kWh/m²/day

Electricity Rate $0.108/kWh Washington average rate

Annual Production 6,640 kWh 6kW system estimate

Seattle receives 3.79 kWh/m²/day (23.6% below national avg). Despite $0.108/kWh electricity, the 20.6-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.

★

Washington State Programs

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

98118 vs Washington Average

Solar Irradiance

98118: 3.79 WA avg: 3.84

Payback Period

98118: 20.6 yrs WA avg: 21.9 yrs

Annual Savings

98118: $717 WA avg: $676

25-Year Savings

98118: $17,925 WA avg: $16,900

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

Nearby Zip Codes — Solar Comparison

98101 Seattle, WA 1.2x ROI 20.7 yr payback 98103 Seattle, WA 1.2x ROI 20.7 yr payback 98125 Seattle, WA 1.2x ROI 20.7 yr payback 98001 Auburn, WA 1.2x ROI 20.6 yr payback 98003 Federal Way, WA 1.2x ROI 20.6 yr payback