Solar Panel Cost Guide in Federal Way, WA (2024 Update)
- Federal Way Solar Installation Cost: $10,925
- 25-Year Savings: $10,641
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Federal Way
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Federal Way.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Federal Way it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Federal Way is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,925 for a solar installation, or $15,623 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind 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.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Federal Way can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Federal Way for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Federal Way
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,649 |
| 3 years | $-7,098 |
| 5 years | $-4,546 |
| 7 years | $-1,994 |
| 9 years | $558 |
| 11 years | $3,110 |
| 13 years | $5,661 |
| 15 years | $8,213 |
| 17 years | $10,765 |
| 19 years | $13,317 |
| 21 years | $15,869 |
| 23 years | $18,421 |
| 25 years | $20,972 |
Top Solar Installers in Federal Way
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Federal Way
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Federal Way
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Federal Way: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Federal Way, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Federal Way, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Federal Way to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Federal Way homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Federal Way is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $10,183 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,979 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $17,977 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $22,175 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $26,575 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $31,176 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $35,977 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $40,980 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Federal Way, WA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Federal Way?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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.
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.