Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Richland, WA (2024 Update)
- West Richland Solar Installation Cost: $9,712
- 25-Year Savings: $11,541
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Richland
We go over average solar pricing in West Richland.
The average cost of a solar system in West Richland is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.9-kW system would cost about $9,712 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average West Richland homeowner can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in West Richland, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Richland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,670 |
| 3 years | $-6,588 |
| 5 years | $-4,506 |
| 7 years | $-2,423 |
| 9 years | $-341 |
| 11 years | $1,741 |
| 13 years | $3,823 |
| 15 years | $5,906 |
| 17 years | $7,988 |
| 19 years | $10,070 |
| 21 years | $12,153 |
| 23 years | $14,235 |
| 25 years | $16,317 |
Top Solar Installers in West Richland
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 West Richland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Richland
For many West Richland homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Richland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation 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.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in West Richland offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout West Richland, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in West Richland 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 that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $13,416 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $18,290 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $23,365 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $28,641 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $34,118 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $39,796 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $45,675 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $51,755 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- 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 previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model 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 options before making your decision.
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 West Richland, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Richland?
The average cost of solar panels in West Richland 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.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Richland?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in West Richland?
Solar panels can be a good 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 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.