Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mill Creek, WA (2024 Update)
- Mill Creek Solar Installation Cost: $11,028
- 25-Year Savings: $19,948
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mill Creek
See how much it might cost to go solar in Mill Creek.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mill Creek, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Mill Creek, most homeowners require a 4.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,028, or $15,770 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With average savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mill Creek find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Mill Creek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,789 |
| 3 years | $-7,311 |
| 5 years | $-4,833 |
| 7 years | $-2,355 |
| 9 years | $123 |
| 11 years | $2,601 |
| 13 years | $5,079 |
| 15 years | $7,558 |
| 17 years | $10,036 |
| 19 years | $12,514 |
| 21 years | $14,992 |
| 23 years | $17,470 |
| 25 years | $19,948 |
Top Solar Installers in Mill Creek
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Another good thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
Working with a vetted solar installer 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 Mill Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mill Creek
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Mill Creek is $11,028, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,590 per kilowatt in Mill Creek.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Mill Creek homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate 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
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Mill Creek, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Mill Creek, WA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mill Creek?
The average cost of solar panels in Mill Creek 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Mill Creek?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Mill Creek, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $854.09 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.