Solar Panel Cost Guide in Steilacoom, WA (2024 Update)
- Steilacoom Solar Installation Cost: $10,754
- 25-Year Savings: $10,768
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Steilacoom
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Steilacoom.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Steilacoom it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Steilacoom is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,754 for a solar installation, or $15,378 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Steilacoom
| Year | Return 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 Steilacoom
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you're searching for a solar company in Steilacoom, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Steilacoom
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Steilacoom
While the average cost of a solar system in Steilacoom is $10,754, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Steilacoom, 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type 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 often have a higher price tag 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 add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Steilacoom’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $10,595 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $14,529 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $18,664 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $22,999 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $27,536 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $32,274 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $37,213 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $42,353 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
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 Steilacoom, WA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Steilacoom?
The average cost of solar panels in Steilacoom is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model 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 Steilacoom?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Steilacoom?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Steilacoom?
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 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.