Solar Panel Cost Guide in Yelm, WA (2025 Update)
- Yelm Solar Installation Cost: $11,424
- 25-Year Savings: $10,271
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Yelm
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Yelm.
In Yelm, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $11,424 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Yelm find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Yelm for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Yelm
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,148 |
| 3 years | $-7,596 |
| 5 years | $-5,045 |
| 7 years | $-2,493 |
| 9 years | $59 |
| 11 years | $2,611 |
| 13 years | $5,163 |
| 15 years | $7,714 |
| 17 years | $10,266 |
| 19 years | $12,818 |
| 21 years | $15,370 |
| 23 years | $17,922 |
| 25 years | $20,474 |
Top Solar Installers in Yelm
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Yelm
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Yelm
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Yelm: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Yelm average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Yelm, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Yelm, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $9,054 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $12,474 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $16,095 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $19,917 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $23,940 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $28,164 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $32,589 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $37,216 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
EcoWatch's Yelm, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Yelm?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Yelm?
Solar panels aren’t free in Yelm, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $824.50 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.