Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ahtanum, WA (2024 Update)
- Ahtanum Solar Installation Cost: $9,708
- 25-Year Savings: $11,544
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ahtanum
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Ahtanum.
In Ahtanum, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Ahtanum is around 3.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,708 for a solar installation, or $13,882 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Ahtanum, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ahtanum
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,727 |
| 3 years | $-6,766 |
| 5 years | $-4,804 |
| 7 years | $-2,843 |
| 9 years | $-882 |
| 11 years | $1,079 |
| 13 years | $3,041 |
| 15 years | $5,002 |
| 17 years | $6,963 |
| 19 years | $8,924 |
| 21 years | $10,886 |
| 23 years | $12,847 |
| 25 years | $14,808 |
Top Solar Installers in Ahtanum
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be challenging. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Ahtanum:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Ahtanum
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ahtanum
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Ahtanum: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, 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 $3,590. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ahtanum to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Ahtanum, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Ahtanum have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.73 | $15,681 | $13,428 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $18,306 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $23,385 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $28,665 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $34,146 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $39,828 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $45,711 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $51,796 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Ahtanum, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ahtanum?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Ahtanum?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Ahtanum. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Ahtanum?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.