Is Solar Worth It in Seattle in 2026?
With Seattle City Light's 5.4% rate increase taking effect in January 2026 and another increase slated for 2027, more Emerald City homeowners are turning to rooftop solar. Here is the exact data on costs, sun hours, and payback periods in Seattle.
South yields optimal solar production in Washington.
Direct homeowner purchases in 2026 have 0% federal tax credit (expired Dec 31, 2025). Leases/PPAs can still pass through commercial 30% credits.
~33 panels (13,650 kWh/yr)
Saves $3,418 WA sales tax
~$157/mo bill reduction
$34,001 25-yr net profit
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Seattle City Light Net Metering Rules
Seattle City Light provides full 1:1 retail net metering under RCW 80.60. When your system generates more than you use on long summer afternoons, City Light spins your digital meter backward, giving you credit at the full retail rate. Credits roll over each month until March 31.
Dealing with Seattle Rain & Trees
Seattle receives roughly 150 sunny or partly sunny days per year. Rain actually helps your panels by washing away dust and pollen naturally. However, tree canopy in neighborhoods like Ballard, Magnolia, and Queen Anne can impact output — microinverters or DC power optimizers are essential to ensure a shaded panel doesn't pull down the entire array.