Solar Panel Cost Guide in Yakima, WA (2024 Update)
- Yakima Solar Installation Cost: $9,708
- 25-Year Savings: $11,544
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Yakima
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Yakima.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Yakima, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 3.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Yakima, the average price of going solar will be about $9,708 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Yakima homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Yakima, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Yakima
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,720 |
| 3 years | $-6,746 |
| 5 years | $-4,772 |
| 7 years | $-2,797 |
| 9 years | $-823 |
| 11 years | $1,151 |
| 13 years | $3,126 |
| 15 years | $5,100 |
| 17 years | $7,074 |
| 19 years | $9,049 |
| 21 years | $11,023 |
| 23 years | $12,997 |
| 25 years | $14,972 |
Top Solar Installers in Yakima
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another good thing about using a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Yakima
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Yakima
The cost of installing a solar system in Yakima can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,590. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Yakima offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s wise 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
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Yakima’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to 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 down to compete with bigger 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 | $13,428 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $18,306 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $23,385 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $28,665 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $34,146 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $39,828 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $45,711 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $51,796 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Yakima, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Yakima?
The average cost of solar panels in Yakima 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Yakima?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Yakima, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Yakima have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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.