Solar in Walla Walla
Is solar worth it in Walla Walla, Washington? That’s a good question, and we’re here to help answer it.Â
Washington supports renewable energy by providing many solar incentives. After installation, you can get thousands of dollars back. However, you’re probably thinking that solar panels in Washington don’t seem super financially advantageous. Washington, after all, is one of the least sunny states. With constant clouds and ultra-low electricity prices, you might be doubtful that solar panels are a smart investment.
But if you’re committed to helping the environment, there are still great incentives, such as the federal tax credit Washington offers. With solar power, your effort is rewarded. After conquering a few obstacles, you can get some generous incentives that make all the money you spent worthwhile.Â
Factors to Consider
We’ll break down a few considerations about Walla Walla solar power before you decide if this renewable energy option is right for you.
Solar Panel Costs in Walla Walla
With electricity costs steadily increasing, sustainable options are becoming more and more appealing. A solar energy system generates energy even in cloudy states like Washington. Panels have decreased in price and make an excellent option to save money with many return options in the share market.Â
Solar panels are property investment, and professionals can break down the system costs. You can see how much you’ll pay with and without solar panels. Moreover, the cost of solar panels, inverters, roofing contractors, and designers are all tax-free. Washington has very inexpensive electricity rates due to the state’s investment in hydropower.Â
In other words, once you install solar panels, you’ll reap the rewards of clean energy plus lower utility bills.
Savings
You might have seen the term net metering floating around while you research solar panels. What does this mean? Net metering in Washington allows you to put extra energy back into the connected grid. Therefore, you’ll get credits on your next energy bill which will motivate you to be energy smart. State-mandated net metering also helps not waste electricity by tracking the electricity you buy and sell back to the same power company.Â
Solar panels don’t produce energy during the night, powering your home when the sun is out, so you won’t see any utility spikes with a normal electric bill. Your payments will remain relatively unchanging.Â
Apart from minor maintenance expenses, solar panels are predictable and can save you thousands in the long term. Panels generally last a minimum of 25 years but can exceed 30 with proper care. Solar panels simply require occasional cleaning to improve power generation.
Of course, these savings depend on your home, the weather in your location, the amount of shade, and your roof angle, which we’ll discuss more below.
Amount of Sunlight and Shade
As we established, countless factors contribute to the overall cost of a solar energy system. The location, for one, makes a huge difference. One city will not be the same as another. For example, Walla Walla will not have the same climate as Seattle. So, the amount of energy you produce from a solar panel system depends on your location.
Shade can affect energy consumption. Nearby trees or tall buildings could pose a problem. However, Washington has solar easement laws that ensure no shade will interfere with the panels’ function. You’ll work with your neighbors to avoid shade that could hinder your panels’ performance and ensure you get shining sun all day long.Â
Roof Angles
Some houses are designed in a way that will better soak up sun exposure than others. Some houses might be able to get by with fewer panels while others need more due to the size or design of the property.Â
Your Household
The amount of people in your house contributes to your monthly energy needs. The more adults and children you have, the more you tend to use energy. When opting for solar, you’ll have to think about the higher price of installing more solar panels.
How are solar panels installed?
We’ll describe the installation process below.
- The energy assessment team from the Walla Walla solar company visits your home and establishes the best site for installation.
- The professionals discuss bills and financial options.
- They measure and determine what your needs are before commitment.Â
- Afterward, the team provides you a quote and describes any incentives you’re eligible for, breaking down the savings and installation costs.
Once you agree and sign, you schedule the solar installation team to install the panels. Installing solar panels can take several days or weeks depending on the job.
Solar Incentives in Walla Walla
With the Washington state solar incentives, homeowners are eligible to get 30% of the cost of installing solar back in taxes using a federal solar tax credit while paying no local or state sales tax.
Combined with lower prices, tax breaks, and solar panels that can produce more energy, many are choosing to invest their money into adding solar panels to their property.
Walla Walla Solar FAQs
This section will break down a few common inquiries regarding Walla Walla solar energy. Hopefully, after reading this article, you have a better understanding of if you want to install solar panels in your home.
Solar panels do not have a battery but function via a grid system. Not only does this maximize users’ savings, but makes solar installation easy for Walla Wallasolar companies to mount, wire, and generate a flow of energy. Once the power goes into the inverter, electricity is converted from the sun into your home. Whatever isn’t used is simply exported back into the grid.
Walla Walla’s weather is dull and cloudy the majority of the time, but their summer days are long. Days can last up to 17 hours in June. Washington is infamous for rainy, soggy autumn days, yet solar panels work effectively in winter and cool weather. Modern panels pick up a lot of ambient light, meaning that they will produce electricity even on cloudy days.
Are Solar Panels Worth It In Walla Walla?
Solar panels are worth it for the average Washington resident with long summer days that compensate for energy collection for the dreary winter days. With attractive financing options, renewable energy will continue to gain popularity and become more mainstream with WA solar power.
So even though Washington has less overall sunshine than other states, Walla Walla has mild weather, meaning your energy consumption is low. Solar panels are an ideal pick for saving money and the world.
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