Solar Panel Cost Guide in Summit, WA (2024 Update)
- Summit 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 Summit
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Summit.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Summit it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Summit, most homeowners require a 4.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $10,754, or $15,378 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Summit find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Summit
| 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 Summit
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Summit
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Summit
The cost of installing a solar system in Summit can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Summit, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Summit homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Summit, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 numerous companies available in Summit, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
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 Summit, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Summit?
The average cost of solar panels in Summit 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Summit?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Summit. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Summit have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Summit?
On average, solar panels can last 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 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.