Solar Panel Cost Guide in University Place, WA (2024 Update)
- University Place 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 University Place
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in University Place.
In University Place, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average University Place homeowner needs a 4.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,754 with the federal tax credit, or $15,378 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels 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 University Place
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,536 |
| 3 years | $-7,101 |
| 5 years | $-4,665 |
| 7 years | $-2,229 |
| 9 years | $207 |
| 11 years | $2,642 |
| 13 years | $5,078 |
| 15 years | $7,514 |
| 17 years | $9,949 |
| 19 years | $12,385 |
| 21 years | $14,821 |
| 23 years | $17,256 |
| 25 years | $19,692 |
Top Solar Installers in University Place
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in University Place:
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 University Place
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in University Place
For many University Place homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in University Place, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,590 per kilowatt in University Place.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 are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in University Place to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind 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 remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in University Place, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced 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 offers the products, warranties and services you want 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
There are a lot of companies available in University Place, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 University Place, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in University Place?
The average cost of solar panels in University Place 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 consume.
Are solar panels free in University Place?
Solar panels aren’t free in University Place, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 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.