Solar Payback Calculator Washington – 6 kW System
Estimate your solar panel payback in Washington: a 6 kW system at 3.5 peak-sun hours and $0.12/kWh, with local incentives. Runs 100% in your browser.
Runs locally in your browser — no upload, no trackingTry: System size=6, Peak sun hours=3.5, Performance ratio (0–1)=0.85, Electricity rate=0.12, Installed cost=2.8, Federal ITC=30, State incentive=0, Annual elec. price rise=0.03, Net metering credit (0–1)=0.85 → 6,515 kWh/yr, $665/yr, $11,760, 17.7 years, $24,229
How to use
Washington has the lowest sun of this list but also low install costs and a sales-tax exemption on solar equipment, plus good net metering. This page pre-fills a 6 kW system with Washington's 3.5 peak-sun hours, $0.12/kWh rate and a net metering credit of 0.85. Adjust the system size, installed cost and federal ITC, then press Calculate.
The simple payback divides your net cost (after the 30% federal ITC) by your first-year savings. Because electricity prices usually rise, the 25-year total understates your real savings if you leave the 3% default in place.
FAQ
What is the solar payback period in Washington?
It depends on system size, your 0.12/kWh rate and local incentives, but Washington's 3.5 peak-sun hours make a 6 kW system produce roughly 6,515 kWh a year. Enter your details above for the exact break-even year.