Solar Panel Cost Guide in Walla Walla, WA (2024 Update)
- Walla Walla Solar Installation Cost: $10,203
- 25-Year Savings: $11,176
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Walla Walla
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Walla Walla.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Walla Walla it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Walla Walla, most homeowners require a 4.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,203, or $14,590 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Walla Walla based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Walla Walla find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Walla Walla
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,223 |
| 3 years | $-7,262 |
| 5 years | $-5,300 |
| 7 years | $-3,339 |
| 9 years | $-1,378 |
| 11 years | $583 |
| 13 years | $2,545 |
| 15 years | $4,506 |
| 17 years | $6,467 |
| 19 years | $8,428 |
| 21 years | $10,390 |
| 23 years | $12,351 |
| 25 years | $14,312 |
Top Solar Installers in Walla Walla
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Walla Walla, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Walla Walla
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Walla Walla
There are several factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need 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.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 bump up your total well above the Walla Walla average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to add 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Walla Walla is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,013 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $16,419 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $21,027 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $25,835 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $30,845 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $36,055 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $41,467 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $47,080 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Walla Walla, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Walla Walla, WA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Walla Walla?
The average cost of solar panels in Walla Walla is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Walla Walla?
Each state has some kind 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 offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.