Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sammamish, WA (2024 Update)

  • Sammamish Solar Installation Cost: $10,925
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,641
  • Payback Period: 14.6 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 Sammamish

See how much it might cost to go solar in Sammamish.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sammamish it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Sammamish, most homeowners require a 4.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $10,925, or $15,623 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sammamish find going solar can pay off big.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Sammamish

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-9,649
3 years$-7,098
5 years$-4,546
7 years$-1,994
9 years$558
11 years$3,110
13 years$5,661
15 years$8,213
17 years$10,765
19 years$13,317
21 years$15,869
23 years$18,421
25 years$20,972

Top Solar Installers in Sammamish

Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.

Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 Sammamish

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sammamish

There are several criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Sammamish homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When estimating 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 company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Sammamish, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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$10,18315.2 years
8 kW$3.66$20,506$13,97914.9 years
10 kW$3.59$25,130$17,97714.6 years
12 kW$3.52$29,553$22,17514.3 years
14 kW$3.45$33,775$26,57514.0 years
16 kW$3.37$37,796$31,17613.7 years
18 kW$3.30$41,615$35,97713.4 years
20 kW$3.23$45,234$40,98013.1 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 selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
  • Contract: When reading over 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 part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power 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 how long the project will take.
  • 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 most 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

★★★★★
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 Sammamish, WA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sammamish?

The average cost of solar panels in Sammamish 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Sammamish?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Sammamish. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Sammamish?

Each state has some form 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 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 opt to 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.