Solar Panel Cost Guide in College Place, WA (2025 Update)
- College Place Solar Installation Cost: $10,203
- 25-Year Savings: $11,176
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in College Place
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in College Place.
In College Place, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average College Place homeowner needs a 4.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,203 with the federal tax credit, or $14,590 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Despite the large initial cost, the average College Place homeowner can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in College Place, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in College Place
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,223 |
| 3 years | $-7,262 |
| 5 years | $-5,300 |
| 7 years | $-3,339 |
| 9 years | $-1,378 |
| 11 years | $583 |
| 13 years | $2,545 |
| 15 years | $4,506 |
| 17 years | $6,467 |
| 19 years | $8,428 |
| 21 years | $10,390 |
| 23 years | $12,351 |
| 25 years | $14,312 |
Top Solar Installers in College Place
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in College Place
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in College Place
Even though the average cost of a solar system in College Place is $10,203, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,590 per kilowatt in College Place.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the College Place average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many College Place homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in College Place, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $12,013 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,419 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,027 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $25,835 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $30,845 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $36,055 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $41,467 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $47,080 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type 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 things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
EcoWatch's College Place, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in College Place?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, 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 College Place?
A solar panel system isn’t free in College Place, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does College Place have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.