Washington / West Richland
Is solar worth it in West Richland?
PUD No 1 of Benton County averages 8.8¢/kWh. With 4.6 peak sun hours a day, a typical 7.6 kW system makes ~10,298 kWh a year and saves about $908 in year one.
No federal tax credit is included. The 30% homeowner credit (IRS §25D) ended for systems installed after Dec 31, 2025. What changed in 2026 →
How West Richland compares
That is slower than the Washington average of 15.3 years, mainly because West Richland's rate is below the state average of 12.3¢/kWh. Your own payback depends on your bill: enter your ZIP and monthly bill above for your number.
| Nearby city | Rate | Payback | 25-yr net |
|---|---|---|---|
| Richland | 8.8¢ | 17.8 yrs | $12,189 |
| Kennewick | 8.8¢ | 17.8 yrs | $12,189 |
| Pasco | 8.8¢ | 17.8 yrs | $12,189 |
| Grandview | 11.1¢ | 14.8 yrs | $20,715 |
| Sunnyside | 11.1¢ | 14.8 yrs | $20,715 |
| Walla Walla | 11.1¢ | 14.8 yrs | $20,715 |
| Moses Lake | 6.0¢ | 23.7 yrs | $1,673 |
| Yakima | 11.1¢ | 14.8 yrs | $20,715 |
Questions
How long does solar take to pay off in West Richland, WA?
About 17.8 years for a typical 7.6 kW system at 8.8 cents/kWh, assuming $2.75/W installed, full net metering and 3% yearly rate increases, with no federal tax credit.
Is solar worth it in West Richland?
Only in some cases; payback is long. Our estimate is $908 saved in year one and $12,189 net over 25 years after paying for the system.
How much does a solar system cost in West Richland?
A 7.6 kW system sized for an average home (863 kWh/month) is about $20,900 before any local rebates, at $2.75 per watt. Real quotes vary by roof and installer.
Is there a federal solar tax credit in 2026?
Not for homeowners who buy their system. The 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit (IRS section 25D) does not apply to installations completed after December 31, 2025. State rebates, SRECs and utility incentives may still apply.
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