Solar Panel Cost Guide in Washougal, WA (2024 Update)
- Washougal Solar Installation Cost: $11,156
- 25-Year Savings: $10,470
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Washougal
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Washougal.
In Washougal, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Washougal is around 4.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,156 for a solar installation, or $15,953 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $17,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Washougal find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Washougal, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Washougal
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,063 |
| 3 years | $-7,878 |
| 5 years | $-5,692 |
| 7 years | $-3,507 |
| 9 years | $-1,321 |
| 11 years | $864 |
| 13 years | $3,049 |
| 15 years | $5,235 |
| 17 years | $7,420 |
| 19 years | $9,606 |
| 21 years | $11,791 |
| 23 years | $13,977 |
| 25 years | $16,162 |
Top Solar Installers in Washougal
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another advantage of working with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Washougal
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Washougal
Though the average cost of a solar system in Washougal is $11,156, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Washougal, one of the most crucial 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 determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you get 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to 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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater 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 lower 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 | $9,648 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,267 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $17,086 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $21,106 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $25,328 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $29,750 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $34,373 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $39,198 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Washougal, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Washougal?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Washougal?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Washougal. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Washougal, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.