Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bothell, WA (2024 Update)
- Bothell Solar Installation Cost: $10,977
- 25-Year Savings: $10,603
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bothell
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bothell.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bothell typically cost about 4.Because a 4.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Bothell, the average price of going solar will be about $10,977 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Bothell homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bothell
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,713 |
| 3 years | $-7,186 |
| 5 years | $-4,658 |
| 7 years | $-2,131 |
| 9 years | $396 |
| 11 years | $2,923 |
| 13 years | $5,451 |
| 15 years | $7,978 |
| 17 years | $10,505 |
| 19 years | $13,032 |
| 21 years | $15,560 |
| 23 years | $18,087 |
| 25 years | $20,614 |
Top Solar Installers in Bothell
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Bothell, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Bothell
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bothell
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Bothell: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,590 per kilowatt in Bothell.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Bothell homeowners choose 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 pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Bothell, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $10,062 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,818 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $17,776 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $21,934 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $26,293 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $30,853 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $35,615 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $40,577 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model 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 pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 Bothell, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bothell?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bothell?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Bothell. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.