Solar Panel Cost Guide in Spokane, WA (2024 Update)
- Spokane Solar Installation Cost: $10,693
- 25-Year Savings: $10,813
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Spokane
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Spokane.
In Spokane, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.3-kW system would cost about $10,693 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Spokane depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Spokane can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Spokane
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,732 |
| 3 years | $-7,811 |
| 5 years | $-5,890 |
| 7 years | $-3,969 |
| 9 years | $-2,048 |
| 11 years | $-127 |
| 13 years | $1,794 |
| 15 years | $3,715 |
| 17 years | $5,636 |
| 19 years | $7,557 |
| 21 years | $9,478 |
| 23 years | $11,399 |
| 25 years | $13,320 |
Top Solar Installers in Spokane
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Another perk of going with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Spokane
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Spokane
Though the average cost of a solar system in Spokane is $10,693, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,590 per kilowatt in Spokane.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Spokane provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Spokane’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Spokane 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 help you save 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 | $10,745 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $14,729 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $18,914 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $23,300 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $27,887 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $32,675 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $37,664 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $42,854 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company 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 have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Spokane, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Spokane?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Spokane?
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 property 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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Spokane, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.