SeattleSolar Incentives 2026: Rebates, Tax Credits & Net Metering
Seattle homeowners installing in 2026 cannot claim the federal residential credit. What remains is Seattle City Light net metering. At 3.8 peak sun hours a day, a home with a $105/month bill (about 750 kWh) needs roughly a 8.2 kW system — 21 panels — and pays back in about 15.3 years.
Solar Incentives Available in Seattle
The federal residential credit does not apply to a Seattle system installed in 2026. Washington does not add a state income tax credit in this dataset. Seattle City Light sets the local rules for crediting the solar power you export.
Seattle's low sun hours are partly offset by Washington's solar sales-tax exemption and Seattle City Light net metering.
How Much Solar Seattle Homes Produce
Seattle gets 3.8 peak sun hours a day, so each 1 kW of panels produces about 1,110 kWh per year here. A 8.2 kW system — the size that fits a typical $105/month Seattle City Light bill — generates roughly 9,099 kWh annually, worth about $1,274 in avoided electricity in year one and more as rates rise.
Seattle City Light Net Metering in Seattle
Seattle City Light credits excess solar generation from Seattle homes under Washington's full retail-rate net metering (~100% of retail). A right-sized system can bring net annual electricity costs close to zero. See full Washington net metering rules →
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Seattle?
At Washington's 2026 average of $2.85/watt, the 8.2 kW system most Seattle homes need runs about $23,370 before incentives. The federal residential credit is $0. Net cost in this model is about $23,370, with payback around 15.3 years. Those figures use $0 federal credit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Solar Incentives in Other Washington Cities
See your exact Seattle solar savings
Enter your Seattle City Light bill. The calculator uses $0 federal credit plus Washington incentives — system size, net cost, payback, and 25-year savings.