Solar Panel Cost Guide in Larch Way, WA (2024 Update)
- Larch Way Solar Installation Cost: $11,028
- 25-Year Savings: $10,564
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Larch Way
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Larch Way.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Larch Way, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 4.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Larch Way, the average price of going solar will be about $11,028 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Larch Way
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,826 |
| 3 years | $-7,422 |
| 5 years | $-5,017 |
| 7 years | $-2,613 |
| 9 years | $-208 |
| 11 years | $2,196 |
| 13 years | $4,601 |
| 15 years | $7,005 |
| 17 years | $9,409 |
| 19 years | $11,814 |
| 21 years | $14,218 |
| 23 years | $16,623 |
| 25 years | $19,027 |
Top Solar Installers in Larch Way
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. 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 Larch Way
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Larch Way
For many Larch Way homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Larch Way, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,590 per kilowatt in Larch Way.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Larch Way, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Larch Way homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Larch Way homeowners, they can also add to 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
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Larch Way’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Larch Way are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $9,941 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,657 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $17,574 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $21,692 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $26,011 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $30,531 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $35,252 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $40,175 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Larch Way, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Larch Way?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Larch Way?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Larch Way is currently $829,558, which means you can look forward to a value of about $34,012 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Larch Way is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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.