Solar Panel Cost Guide in Milton, WA (2024 Update)
- Milton Solar Installation Cost: $10,839
- 25-Year Savings: $10,705
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Milton
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Milton.
In Milton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Milton homeowner needs a 4.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,839 with the federal tax credit, or $15,500 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Milton see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Milton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Milton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,563 |
| 3 years | $-7,011 |
| 5 years | $-4,460 |
| 7 years | $-1,908 |
| 9 years | $644 |
| 11 years | $3,196 |
| 13 years | $5,748 |
| 15 years | $8,300 |
| 17 years | $10,851 |
| 19 years | $13,403 |
| 21 years | $15,955 |
| 23 years | $18,507 |
| 25 years | $21,059 |
Top Solar Installers in Milton
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Milton, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Milton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Milton
There are many criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Milton is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $10,389 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $14,254 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $18,320 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $22,587 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $27,056 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $31,725 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $36,595 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $41,667 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel 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 Milton, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Milton?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Milton have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 install 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.