Solar Panel Cost Guide in Preston, ID (Mar 2023)
- Preston Solar Installation Cost: $12,813
- 25-Year Savings: $19,946
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Preston
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in Preston.
The average cost of solar panels in Preston is 2.6 per watt. Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Preston, the average price of going solar will be about $12,813 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Preston depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Preston can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Preston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,502 |
| 3 years | $-8,882 |
| 5 years | $-6,261 |
| 7 years | $-3,640 |
| 9 years | $-1,020 |
| 11 years | $1,601 |
| 13 years | $4,222 |
| 15 years | $6,842 |
| 17 years | $9,463 |
| 19 years | $12,084 |
| 21 years | $14,704 |
| 23 years | $17,325 |
| 25 years | $19,946 |
Top Solar Installers in Preston
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
See all of the solar companies in Preston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Preston
The cost of installing a solar system in Preston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $2,600. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Preston, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Preston homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Preston is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.70 | $11,357 | $16,559 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.65 | $14,851 | $22,369 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.60 | $18,200 | $28,326 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.55 | $21,403 | $34,427 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.50 | $24,461 | $40,675 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.44 | $27,373 | $47,068 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.39 | $30,139 | $53,607 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.34 | $32,760 | $60,291 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
EcoWatch's Preston, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Preston?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,000 for a 5-kW system and $26,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Preston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Preston?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.