Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake Shore, WA (2024 Update)
- Lake Shore Solar Installation Cost: $11,156
- 25-Year Savings: $10,470
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake Shore
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Lake Shore.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Lake Shore generally cost about 4.Because a 4.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Lake Shore, the average price of going solar will be about $11,156 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 actual cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Lake Shore homeowner can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Lake Shore, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lake Shore
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,063 |
| 3 years | $-7,878 |
| 5 years | $-5,692 |
| 7 years | $-3,507 |
| 9 years | $-1,321 |
| 11 years | $864 |
| 13 years | $3,049 |
| 15 years | $5,235 |
| 17 years | $7,420 |
| 19 years | $9,606 |
| 21 years | $11,791 |
| 23 years | $13,977 |
| 25 years | $16,162 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake Shore
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Another advantage of using a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Lake Shore
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake Shore
There are many factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Lake Shore, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lake Shore average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Lake Shore provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Lake Shore is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Additionally, some companies in Lake Shore know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $9,648 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,267 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $17,086 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $21,106 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $25,328 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $29,750 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $34,373 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $39,198 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Lake Shore, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Lake Shore, WA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lake Shore?
The average cost of solar panels in Lake Shore 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Lake Shore?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Lake Shore, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lake Shore?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Lake Shore?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.