Solar savings & payback in Seattle
The cloudiest major US solar market, cheap hydro power stretches payback too.
This calculator uses Seattle's own sun (~3 kWh/kW/day, 6% below the WA average) with Washington's rate and export rules. For a typical $150/month bill we estimate a payback of about 21.4 years.
- Seattle sun
- ~3 kWh/kW/day
- WA average sun
- ~3.2 kWh/kW/day
- Electricity rate
- 12¢/kWh
- Net metering
- Full retail net metering (1:1)
Statewide policy, incentives, and the full cost-by-size table live on the Washington page
Where your money goes
Your 25-year money curve
What the planet gets
Net metering credits exported power against what you draw from the grid. Rates vary by state, California's NEM 3.0 pays much less for exports than 1:1 states.
Enter a valid monthly bill and tariff greater than zero to see your results.
Seattle solar FAQs
Is solar worth it in Seattle?
For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a Seattle system pays for itself in about 21.4 years, using local sun (~3 kWh per kW per day), Washington's average 12¢/kWh rate, and full retail net metering (1:1). No federal tax credit is assumed (it expired at the end of 2025). The cloudiest major US solar market, cheap hydro power stretches payback too.
How much do solar panels generate in Seattle?
Roughly 3 kWh per installed kW per day averaged over the year, about 1,095 kWh per kW annually. A typical 6kW system produces around 6600 kWh a year here. Roof orientation and shading move these figures.
What rebates are available in Seattle?
Sales-tax exemption; low rates and cloudy winters lengthen payback. Utility-level programs come and go, check your utility's website and dsireusa.org for anything city-specific before signing.