Solar Panel Cost Guide in Preston, ID (2024 Update)
- Preston Solar Installation Cost: $17,053
- 25-Year Savings: $19,944
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Preston
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Preston.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Preston, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Preston is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,053 for a solar installation, or $24,386 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Preston depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Preston for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Preston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,854 |
| 3 years | $-13,457 |
| 5 years | $-11,059 |
| 7 years | $-8,661 |
| 9 years | $-6,264 |
| 11 years | $-3,866 |
| 13 years | $-1,468 |
| 15 years | $929 |
| 17 years | $3,327 |
| 19 years | $5,725 |
| 21 years | $8,122 |
| 23 years | $10,520 |
| 25 years | $12,918 |
Top Solar Installers in Preston
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
See all of the solar companies in Preston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Preston
There are several criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, 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 $3,460. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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 additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Preston have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.It’s wise to add 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 company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Preston, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.60 | $15,113 | $12,802 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.53 | $19,764 | $17,457 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.46 | $24,220 | $22,306 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.39 | $28,483 | $27,348 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.32 | $32,552 | $32,584 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.25 | $36,427 | $38,014 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.18 | $40,108 | $43,638 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,596 | $49,455 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
EcoWatch's Preston, ID Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Preston?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,300 for a 5-kW system and $34,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Preston, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Preston?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.