Solar Panel Cost Guide in Longview, WA (2024 Update)
- Longview Solar Installation Cost: $11,202
- 25-Year Savings: $10,436
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Longview
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Longview.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Longview is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Longview is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,202 for a solar installation, or $16,019 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Longview based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Longview can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Longview that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Longview
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,177 |
| 3 years | $-8,126 |
| 5 years | $-6,076 |
| 7 years | $-4,026 |
| 9 years | $-1,975 |
| 11 years | $75 |
| 13 years | $2,125 |
| 15 years | $4,176 |
| 17 years | $6,226 |
| 19 years | $8,276 |
| 21 years | $10,327 |
| 23 years | $12,377 |
| 25 years | $14,427 |
Top Solar Installers in Longview
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Longview
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Longview
There are several factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.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 get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Longview average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Longview to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Longview homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Longview, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of 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 | $9,545 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,128 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $16,913 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $20,899 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $25,086 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $29,473 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $34,062 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $38,852 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Longview, WA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Longview?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Longview?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Longview. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Longview?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.