Solar Panel Cost Guide in Marietta-Alderwood, WA (2024 Update)
- Marietta-Alderwood Solar Installation Cost: $11,157
- 25-Year Savings: $10,469
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Marietta-Alderwood
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Marietta-Alderwood.
In Marietta-Alderwood, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 4.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Marietta-Alderwood, the average price of going solar will be about $11,157 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Marietta-Alderwood homeowner can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Marietta-Alderwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,881 |
| 3 years | $-7,329 |
| 5 years | $-4,778 |
| 7 years | $-2,226 |
| 9 years | $326 |
| 11 years | $2,878 |
| 13 years | $5,430 |
| 15 years | $7,981 |
| 17 years | $10,533 |
| 19 years | $13,085 |
| 21 years | $15,637 |
| 23 years | $18,189 |
| 25 years | $20,741 |
Top Solar Installers in Marietta-Alderwood
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Marietta-Alderwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Marietta-Alderwood
The cost of installing a solar system in Marietta-Alderwood can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.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 opt for 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 over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Marietta-Alderwood average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect the cost. Marietta-Alderwood’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Marietta-Alderwood 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 | $9,646 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,263 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $17,081 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $21,101 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $25,321 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $29,743 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $34,365 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $39,189 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Marietta-Alderwood, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Marietta-Alderwood, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Marietta-Alderwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Marietta-Alderwood is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for 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 Marietta-Alderwood?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.