Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wenatchee, WA (2024 Update)
- Wenatchee Solar Installation Cost: $9,964
- 25-Year Savings: $11,353
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wenatchee
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Wenatchee.
The average cost of solar panels in Wenatchee is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Wenatchee, most homeowners require a 4.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,964, or $14,249 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Wenatchee homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Wenatchee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,585 |
| 3 years | $-8,826 |
| 5 years | $-8,067 |
| 7 years | $-7,308 |
| 9 years | $-6,549 |
| 11 years | $-5,790 |
| 13 years | $-5,031 |
| 15 years | $-4,271 |
| 17 years | $-3,512 |
| 19 years | $-2,753 |
| 21 years | $-1,994 |
| 23 years | $-1,235 |
| 25 years | $-476 |
Top Solar Installers in Wenatchee
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Wenatchee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wenatchee
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Wenatchee: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,590. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Wenatchee, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Wenatchee, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Wenatchee have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $12,678 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $17,306 | 13.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $22,135 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $27,165 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $32,396 | 12.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $37,828 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $43,461 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $49,295 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Wenatchee, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Wenatchee, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Wenatchee?
The average cost of solar panels in Wenatchee 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.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
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 $945.29 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.