Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bothell East, WA (2024 Update)

  • Bothell East Solar Installation Cost: $11,028
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,564
  • Payback Period: 14.7 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 Bothell East

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Bothell East.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bothell East it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.4-kW system would cost about $11,028 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bothell East homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Bothell East that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Bothell East

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-9,789
3 years$-7,311
5 years$-4,833
7 years$-2,355
9 years$123
11 years$2,601
13 years$5,079
15 years$7,558
17 years$10,036
19 years$12,514
21 years$14,992
23 years$17,470
25 years$19,948

Top Solar Installers in Bothell East

Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Bothell East, thereby optimizing your ROI.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

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 Bothell East

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bothell East

The cost of installing a solar system in Bothell East can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bothell East, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Bothell East, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Bothell East, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.73$15,681$9,94115.3 years
8 kW$3.66$20,506$13,65715.0 years
10 kW$3.59$25,130$17,57414.7 years
12 kW$3.52$29,553$21,69214.4 years
14 kW$3.45$33,775$26,01114.1 years
16 kW$3.37$37,796$30,53113.8 years
18 kW$3.30$41,615$35,25213.5 years
20 kW$3.23$45,234$40,17513.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Bothell East, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.

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 Bothell East, WA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bothell East?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bothell East?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Bothell East, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.