Solar Panel Cost Guide in Spokane Valley, WA (2024 Update)
- Spokane Valley Solar Installation Cost: $10,693
- 25-Year Savings: $10,813
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Spokane Valley
We break down average solar pricing in Spokane Valley.
The average cost of a solar system in Spokane Valley is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Spokane Valley, most homeowners require a 4.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,693, or $15,291 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Spokane Valley depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the large initial cost, the average Spokane Valley homeowner can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Spokane Valley for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Spokane Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,579 |
| 3 years | $-7,352 |
| 5 years | $-5,125 |
| 7 years | $-2,897 |
| 9 years | $-670 |
| 11 years | $1,557 |
| 13 years | $3,785 |
| 15 years | $6,012 |
| 17 years | $8,239 |
| 19 years | $10,466 |
| 21 years | $12,694 |
| 23 years | $14,921 |
| 25 years | $17,148 |
Top Solar Installers in Spokane Valley
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why getting 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 lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Spokane Valley
The cost of installing a solar system in Spokane Valley can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Spokane Valley, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Spokane Valley, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Spokane Valley have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Spokane Valley know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Valley, WA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Spokane Valley?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Spokane Valley have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
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 average daily 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.
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.