Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Yelm, WA (2025 Update)
- North Yelm Solar Installation Cost: $11,424
- 25-Year Savings: $10,271
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Yelm
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in North Yelm.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in North Yelm typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in North Yelm is around 4.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,424 for a solar installation, or $16,336 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in North Yelm depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Yelm find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Yelm
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,148 |
| 3 years | $-7,596 |
| 5 years | $-5,045 |
| 7 years | $-2,493 |
| 9 years | $59 |
| 11 years | $2,611 |
| 13 years | $5,163 |
| 15 years | $7,714 |
| 17 years | $10,266 |
| 19 years | $12,818 |
| 21 years | $15,370 |
| 23 years | $17,922 |
| 25 years | $20,474 |
Top Solar Installers in North Yelm
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in North Yelm
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Yelm
For many North Yelm homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in North Yelm, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,590. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like North Yelm, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in North Yelm, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $9,054 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $12,474 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $16,095 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $19,917 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $23,940 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $28,164 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $32,589 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $37,216 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
EcoWatch's North Yelm, WA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Yelm?
The average cost of solar panels in North Yelm 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in North Yelm?
Solar panels aren’t free in North Yelm, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.