Solar Panel Cost Guide in Preston, ID (2024 Update)
- Preston Solar Installation Cost: $17,053
- 25-Year Savings: $19,944
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Preston
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Preston.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Preston it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Preston, most homeowners require a 7.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,053, or $24,386 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Preston can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Preston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,854 |
| 3 years | $-13,457 |
| 5 years | $-11,059 |
| 7 years | $-8,661 |
| 9 years | $-6,264 |
| 11 years | $-3,866 |
| 13 years | $-1,468 |
| 15 years | $929 |
| 17 years | $3,327 |
| 19 years | $5,725 |
| 21 years | $8,122 |
| 23 years | $10,520 |
| 25 years | $12,918 |
Top Solar Installers in Preston
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Preston, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
See all of the solar companies in Preston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Preston
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Preston is $17,053, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Preston average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Preston to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Preston, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.60 | $15,113 | $12,802 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.53 | $19,764 | $17,457 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.46 | $24,220 | $22,306 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.39 | $28,483 | $27,348 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.32 | $32,552 | $32,584 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.25 | $36,427 | $38,014 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.18 | $40,108 | $43,638 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,596 | $49,455 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
EcoWatch's Preston, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Preston?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,300 for a 5-kW system and $34,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Preston, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Preston?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.