Is solar worth it in 98406 (Tacoma, WA)?

With an average payback period of 20.6 years and 25-year savings of $17,975, solar panels in Tacoma, Washington can be worthwhile with available incentives.

How much do solar panels cost in 98406?

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

How much solar electricity does 98406 get?

Tacoma receives 3.8 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiance. A 6kW system in zip code 98406 produces approximately 6,658 kWh per year.

Solar Panel ROI in 98406

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

1.2x ROI Score

20.6 yrs Payback Period

$719/yr Annual Savings

$17,975 25-Year Savings

Your savings estimate

$ /mo bill

Annual savings $719

Payback 20.6 yrs

25-yr savings $17,975

Solar Calculator for 98406 (Tacoma)

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

System Size

System Cost

Electricity Rate

$ /kWh

Solar Irradiance

3.8 kWh/m²/day

Based on NREL data for Tacoma, WA

ROI Score 1.2x

Annual Production 6,658 kWh

Annual Savings $719

Payback Period 20.6 years

25-Year Savings $17,975

After 30% ITC $10,360

Solar Data for 98406 – Tacoma, WA

Solar Irradiance 3.8 kWh/m²/day -23.4% vs national avg

vs Washington Avg -0.3% State avg: 3.84 kWh/m²/day

Electricity Rate $0.108/kWh Washington average rate

Annual Production 6,658 kWh 6kW system estimate

Tacoma receives 3.8 kWh/m²/day (23.4% 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 Tacoma, 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 Tacoma.

98406 vs Washington Average

Solar Irradiance

98406: 3.8 WA avg: 3.84

Payback Period

98406: 20.6 yrs WA avg: 21.9 yrs

Annual Savings

98406: $719 WA avg: $676

25-Year Savings

98406: $17,975 WA avg: $16,900

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

Nearby Zip Codes — Solar Comparison

98003 Federal Way, WA 1.2x ROI 20.6 yr payback 98373 Puyallup, WA 1.2x ROI 20.6 yr payback 98001 Auburn, WA 1.2x ROI 20.6 yr payback 98118 Seattle, WA 1.2x ROI 20.6 yr payback 98101 Seattle, WA 1.2x ROI 20.7 yr payback