Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ellensburg, WA (2024 Update)
- Ellensburg Solar Installation Cost: $9,804
- 25-Year Savings: $14,711
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ellensburg
We go over average solar pricing in Ellensburg.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ellensburg it’s 4 per watt.Since a 3.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Ellensburg, the average price of going solar will be about $9,804 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Ellensburg see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ellensburg
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,824 |
| 3 years | $-6,863 |
| 5 years | $-4,901 |
| 7 years | $-2,940 |
| 9 years | $-979 |
| 11 years | $982 |
| 13 years | $2,944 |
| 15 years | $4,905 |
| 17 years | $6,866 |
| 19 years | $8,827 |
| 21 years | $10,789 |
| 23 years | $12,750 |
| 25 years | $14,711 |
Top Solar Installers in Ellensburg
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Ellensburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ellensburg
While the average cost of a solar system in Ellensburg is $9,804, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,590 per kilowatt in Ellensburg.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Ellensburg average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Ellensburg offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Ellensburg’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $13,140 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $17,922 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $22,905 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $28,089 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $33,474 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $39,061 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $44,848 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $50,836 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Ellensburg, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ellensburg?
The average cost of solar panels in Ellensburg is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ellensburg?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Ellensburg. 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.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.