Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mead, WA (2024 Update)
- Mead Solar Installation Cost: $10,693
- 25-Year Savings: $10,813
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mead
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Mead.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mead, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Mead homeowner needs a 4.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,693 with the federal tax credit, or $15,291 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Mead homeowner can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Mead for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Mead
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,525 |
| 3 years | $-7,189 |
| 5 years | $-4,854 |
| 7 years | $-2,518 |
| 9 years | $-182 |
| 11 years | $2,153 |
| 13 years | $4,489 |
| 15 years | $6,825 |
| 17 years | $9,160 |
| 19 years | $11,496 |
| 21 years | $13,832 |
| 23 years | $16,167 |
| 25 years | $18,503 |
Top Solar Installers in Mead
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer 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 licensed 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 Mead
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mead
There are many criteria that can influence your total 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,590 per kilowatt in Mead.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Mead have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Mead homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Mead, you’ll have many 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 due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $10,745 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $14,729 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $18,914 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $23,300 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $27,887 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $32,675 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $37,664 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $42,854 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Mead, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mead?
The average cost of solar panels in Mead 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $880.88 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.