Performance and Typical Costs For Solar In Seattle Washington

A domestic solar electric system installed in a direct sunlit area typically generates about 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year for each kW installed. Currently, in Seattle, the typical residential solar electric system size is 7kW. This size of the system represents an investment of about $24,000 before incentives or taxes.

Solar Incentives

Federal tax credits, some companies net metering, and WA-State Production Incentives conducted through the WSU Energy Program may advance the economics of your investment.  And by advance, we mean making money. 

7 Moves to Solar Energy Installation

Assess Your Property And Current Electric Service

Adding a solar system is considered a modification to your service and may require additional work to bring the existing equipment up to today’s code requirements. Beginning work without an assessment may result in additional cost and delays. To alleviate this, some companies can do a free, on-site evaluation of your existing electric service to determine if it complies with current codes. Locate your Electric Service Representative here or by calling the intake desk.

Obtain Bids And Choose A Solar Contractor

We suggest obtaining a minimum of three (3) bids. There are many contractors to choose from, and while some companies do not endorse or refer contractors, Solar Installers of Washington maintains a list of potentially qualified installers for your consideration.

Complete These Documents

Petition for connection and net metering by filling out an Application for Electric Service before system installation. As part of this report, you will need to present an Interconnection Application & Agreement (EZ-IAA).

If you are preparing an installation in any of the Seattle City Light Network Service Areas, your application will be reviewed by our Network Engineering Department, which can add further time to the interconnection approval process. Network installations may also need specialized equipment. To determine if your project is located in a network area, please download a network map.

Obtain Permits

Have your system authorized, installed and inspected by your local permitting jurisdiction. In Seattle, reach out to the Department of Construction and Inspections.

Apply For Incentives

Apply for state creation incentives through the WSU Energy Program. Pay a $125 initial application charge.

Claim Your Tax Credit

On your subsequent federal income tax return, claim your renewable energy tax credit (review system requirements and credit amounts here).

Receive Your Annual Incentive

Some companies will estimate and finalize your annual production with WSU and forward you a check for your production-based financial incentive by December 15.

Want to save and be guided by experts who do the research and know the answers? Go to HahaSmart.com and try our price checker tool. How much solar power you need and how much you can save on your energy bills each month.