Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chehalis, WA (2024 Update)
- Chehalis Solar Installation Cost: $10,842
- 25-Year Savings: $10,702
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chehalis
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Chehalis.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Chehalis it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Chehalis is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,842 for a solar installation, or $15,504 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Chehalis depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chehalis find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chehalis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,675 |
| 3 years | $-7,341 |
| 5 years | $-5,006 |
| 7 years | $-2,672 |
| 9 years | $-338 |
| 11 years | $1,996 |
| 13 years | $4,330 |
| 15 years | $6,665 |
| 17 years | $8,999 |
| 19 years | $11,333 |
| 21 years | $13,667 |
| 23 years | $16,001 |
| 25 years | $18,336 |
Top Solar Installers in Chehalis
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Chehalis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chehalis
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Chehalis: 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Chehalis, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Chehalis homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Chehalis, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $10,382 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $14,245 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $18,309 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $22,573 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $27,039 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $31,706 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $36,574 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $41,643 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Chehalis, WA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chehalis?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 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 cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Chehalis is currently $461,959, which means you can expect a value of about $18,940 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Chehalis is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.