Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lake Tapps, WA (2024 Update)
- Lake Tapps Solar Installation Cost: $10,754
- 25-Year Savings: $10,768
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lake Tapps
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Lake Tapps.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Lake Tapps, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Lake Tapps is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,754 for a solar installation, or $15,378 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Lake Tapps homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Lake Tapps, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lake Tapps
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,478 |
| 3 years | $-6,926 |
| 5 years | $-4,375 |
| 7 years | $-1,823 |
| 9 years | $729 |
| 11 years | $3,281 |
| 13 years | $5,833 |
| 15 years | $8,385 |
| 17 years | $10,936 |
| 19 years | $13,488 |
| 21 years | $16,040 |
| 23 years | $18,592 |
| 25 years | $21,144 |
Top Solar Installers in Lake Tapps
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Another upside of working with a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Tapps
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lake Tapps
While the average cost of a solar system in Lake Tapps is $10,754, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,590. The kind of 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Lake Tapps average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Lake Tapps, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Lake Tapps is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Lake Tapps have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 | $10,595 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $14,529 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $18,664 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $22,999 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $27,536 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $32,274 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $37,213 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $42,353 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Lake Tapps, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 Tapps, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lake Tapps?
The average cost of solar panels in Lake Tapps 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Lake Tapps?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Lake Tapps. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Lake Tapps?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.