Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bainbridge Island, WA (2024 Update)

  • Bainbridge Island Solar Installation Cost: $11,397
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,291
  • Payback Period: 15.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bainbridge Island

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Bainbridge Island.

In Bainbridge Island, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Bainbridge Island, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,397, or $16,298 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Bainbridge Island homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Bainbridge Island

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-10,121
3 years$-7,569
5 years$-5,017
7 years$-2,466
9 years$86
11 years$2,638
13 years$5,190
15 years$7,742
17 years$10,294
19 years$12,845
21 years$15,397
23 years$17,949
25 years$20,501

Top Solar Installers in Bainbridge Island

Putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.

Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Bainbridge Island

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bainbridge Island

There are a number of factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Bainbridge Island’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.73$15,681$9,11315.8 years
8 kW$3.66$20,506$12,55315.5 years
10 kW$3.59$25,130$16,19315.2 years
12 kW$3.52$29,553$20,03514.9 years
14 kW$3.45$33,775$24,07814.6 years
16 kW$3.37$37,796$28,32214.3 years
18 kW$3.30$41,615$32,76714.0 years
20 kW$3.23$45,234$37,41313.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have 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.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Bainbridge Island, WA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bainbridge Island?

The average cost of solar panels in Bainbridge Island is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is making the switch to solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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.