TacomaSolar Incentives 2026: Rebates, Tax Credits & Net Metering
Tacoma homeowners stack the 30% federal tax credit and Tacoma Power net metering. At 3.9 peak sun hours a day, a home with a $95/month bill (about 679 kWh) needs roughly a 7.2 kW system — 18 panels — and pays back in about 11 years.
Solar Incentives Available in Tacoma
Solar incentives in Tacoma come in three layers. First, every homeowner qualifies for the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit on the full installed cost, claimed on IRS Form 5695. Washington does not add a state income tax credit, so the federal credit is the main up-front incentive. Third, Tacoma Power sets the local rules for crediting the solar power you export.
Tacoma Power is municipally owned with very low rates, so Washington's sales-tax exemption and self-consumption drive the payback.
How Much Solar Tacoma Homes Produce
Tacoma gets 3.9 peak sun hours a day, so each 1 kW of panels produces about 1,139 kWh per year here. A 7.2 kW system — the size that fits a typical $95/month Tacoma Power bill — generates roughly 8,199 kWh annually, worth about $1,148 in avoided electricity in year one and more as rates rise.
Tacoma Power Net Metering in Tacoma
Tacoma Power credits excess solar generation from Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
At Washington's 2026 average of $2.85/watt, the 7.2 kW system most Tacoma homes need runs about $20,520 before incentives. The 30% federal credit takes off $6,156 — landing the net cost near $14,364, with payback around 11 years.
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Solar Incentives in Other Washington Cities
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