Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tacoma, WA (2024 Update)
- Tacoma 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 Tacoma
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Tacoma.
In Tacoma, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.3-kW system would cost about $10,754 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Tacoma can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Tacoma for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Tacoma
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,552 |
| 3 years | $-7,147 |
| 5 years | $-4,743 |
| 7 years | $-2,338 |
| 9 years | $66 |
| 11 years | $2,471 |
| 13 years | $4,875 |
| 15 years | $7,280 |
| 17 years | $9,684 |
| 19 years | $12,089 |
| 21 years | $14,493 |
| 23 years | $16,898 |
| 25 years | $19,302 |
Top Solar Installers in Tacoma
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Tacoma, we've organized 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 Tacoma
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tacoma
Although the average cost of a solar system in Tacoma is $10,754, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need 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 solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Tacoma average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Tacoma, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Tacoma, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers 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 go with.
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 Tacoma, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tacoma?
The average cost of solar panels in Tacoma 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $875.87 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Tacoma?
Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.