Solar Panel Cost Guide in Prairie Ridge, WA (2024 Update)

  • Prairie Ridge Solar Installation Cost: $10,754
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,768
  • Payback Period: 14.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Prairie Ridge

We break down average solar pricing in Prairie Ridge.

In Prairie Ridge, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 4.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Prairie Ridge, the average price of going solar will be about $10,754 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Prairie Ridge homeowner can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Prairie Ridge for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Prairie Ridge

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-9,478
3 years$-6,926
5 years$-4,375
7 years$-1,823
9 years$729
11 years$3,281
13 years$5,833
15 years$8,385
17 years$10,936
19 years$13,488
21 years$16,040
23 years$18,592
25 years$21,144

Top Solar Installers in Prairie Ridge

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Prairie Ridge

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Prairie Ridge

There are several factors that can affect your solar system 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

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking 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

Most solar companies in Prairie Ridge have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.73$15,681$10,59514.9 years
8 kW$3.66$20,506$14,52914.6 years
10 kW$3.59$25,130$18,66414.3 years
12 kW$3.52$29,553$22,99914.1 years
14 kW$3.45$33,775$27,53613.8 years
16 kW$3.37$37,796$32,27413.5 years
18 kW$3.30$41,615$37,21313.2 years
20 kW$3.23$45,234$42,35312.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Prairie Ridge, WA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Prairie Ridge?

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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Prairie Ridge?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Prairie Ridge, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

How long do solar panels last in Prairie Ridge?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.