Solar Panel Cost Guide in Clarkston, WA (2024 Update)
- Clarkston Solar Installation Cost: $10,288
- 25-Year Savings: $11,113
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Clarkston
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Clarkston.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Clarkston is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Clarkston, most homeowners require a 4.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $10,288, or $14,712 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Clarkston homeowner can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Clarkston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,308 |
| 3 years | $-7,346 |
| 5 years | $-5,385 |
| 7 years | $-3,424 |
| 9 years | $-1,463 |
| 11 years | $499 |
| 13 years | $2,460 |
| 15 years | $4,421 |
| 17 years | $6,382 |
| 19 years | $8,344 |
| 21 years | $10,305 |
| 23 years | $12,266 |
| 25 years | $14,227 |
Top Solar Installers in Clarkston
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Clarkston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Clarkston
The cost of installing a solar system in Clarkston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need 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.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Clarkston to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Clarkston, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Clarkston have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $11,785 | 14.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,115 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $20,646 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $25,378 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $30,312 | 13.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $35,446 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $40,782 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $46,318 | 12.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies 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.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Clarkston, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Clarkston?
The average cost of solar panels in Clarkston is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Clarkston?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Clarkston. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Clarkston?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.