Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wauna, WA (2024 Update)
- Wauna 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 Wauna
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Wauna.
In Wauna, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Wauna 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.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Wauna homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Wauna can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wauna
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,502 |
| 3 years | $-6,998 |
| 5 years | $-4,495 |
| 7 years | $-1,991 |
| 9 years | $513 |
| 11 years | $3,017 |
| 13 years | $5,520 |
| 15 years | $8,024 |
| 17 years | $10,528 |
| 19 years | $13,032 |
| 21 years | $15,535 |
| 23 years | $18,039 |
| 25 years | $20,543 |
Top Solar Installers in Wauna
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and expertise. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Wauna, the EcoWatch team has 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 Wauna
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wauna
The cost of installing a solar system in Wauna can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Wauna, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Wauna homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Wauna homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Wauna, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Wauna, WA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wauna?
The average cost of solar panels in Wauna 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Wauna?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Wauna. 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.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Wauna is currently $730,204, which means you can expect a value of about $29,938 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Wauna is a worthwhile investment.
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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.