Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Vista, WA (2024 Update)
- Mount Vista Solar Installation Cost: $11,156
- 25-Year Savings: $10,470
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Vista
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Mount Vista.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Mount Vista generally cost about 4.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Mount Vista, most homeowners require a 4.4-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,156, or $15,953 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Mount Vista see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Mount Vista for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Mount Vista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,063 |
| 3 years | $-7,878 |
| 5 years | $-5,692 |
| 7 years | $-3,507 |
| 9 years | $-1,321 |
| 11 years | $864 |
| 13 years | $3,049 |
| 15 years | $5,235 |
| 17 years | $7,420 |
| 19 years | $9,606 |
| 21 years | $11,791 |
| 23 years | $13,977 |
| 25 years | $16,162 |
Top Solar Installers in Mount Vista
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Vista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Vista
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Mount Vista: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production 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 several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Mount Vista homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Mount Vista, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Mount Vista are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $9,648 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,267 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $17,086 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $21,106 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $25,328 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $29,750 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $34,373 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $39,198 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Mount Vista, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 Vista, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mount Vista?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Mount Vista?
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 can’t take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 higher amount 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.