Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Vernon, WA (2024 Update)
- Mount Vernon Solar Installation Cost: $11,193
- 25-Year Savings: $10,442
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Vernon
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Mount Vernon.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Mount Vernon typically cost around 4.Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Mount Vernon, the average price of going solar will be about $11,193 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Mount Vernon homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Mount Vernon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,917 |
| 3 years | $-7,365 |
| 5 years | $-4,813 |
| 7 years | $-2,261 |
| 9 years | $291 |
| 11 years | $2,842 |
| 13 years | $5,394 |
| 15 years | $7,946 |
| 17 years | $10,498 |
| 19 years | $13,050 |
| 21 years | $15,601 |
| 23 years | $18,153 |
| 25 years | $20,705 |
Top Solar Installers in Mount Vernon
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Mount Vernon, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Mount Vernon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Vernon
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Mount Vernon is $11,193, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require 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.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Mount Vernon to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.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 can only 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 getting 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 play a role in determining how much you pay. Mount Vernon’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $9,565 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,156 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $16,948 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $20,940 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $25,134 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $29,528 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $34,124 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $38,921 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’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 the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- 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 install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Mount Vernon, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mount Vernon?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Mount Vernon?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Mount Vernon?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Mount Vernon?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.