Solar Panel Cost Guide in Port Townsend, WA (2024 Update)
- Port Townsend Solar Installation Cost: $10,963
- 25-Year Savings: $10,612
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Port Townsend
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Port Townsend.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Port Townsend typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Port Townsend is around 4.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,963 for a solar installation, or $15,677 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Port Townsend based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Port Townsend
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,688 |
| 3 years | $-7,136 |
| 5 years | $-4,584 |
| 7 years | $-2,032 |
| 9 years | $520 |
| 11 years | $3,072 |
| 13 years | $5,623 |
| 15 years | $8,175 |
| 17 years | $10,727 |
| 19 years | $13,279 |
| 21 years | $15,831 |
| 23 years | $18,382 |
| 25 years | $20,934 |
Top Solar Installers in Port Townsend
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Port Townsend
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Port Townsend
While the average cost of a solar system in Port Townsend is $10,963, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Port Townsend, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Port Townsend to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Port Townsend homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $10,093 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,860 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $17,827 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $21,996 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $26,365 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $30,936 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $35,708 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $40,680 | 13.2 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 choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Port Townsend, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Port Townsend?
The average cost of solar panels in Port Townsend is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Port Townsend?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.