Solar Panel Cost Guide in Anacortes, WA (2024 Update)
- Anacortes Solar Installation Cost: $11,193
- 25-Year Savings: $10,442
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Anacortes
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Anacortes.
In Anacortes, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Anacortes, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,193, or $16,006 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Anacortes based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Anacortes can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Anacortes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,917 |
| 3 years | $-7,365 |
| 5 years | $-4,813 |
| 7 years | $-2,261 |
| 9 years | $291 |
| 11 years | $2,842 |
| 13 years | $5,394 |
| 15 years | $7,946 |
| 17 years | $10,498 |
| 19 years | $13,050 |
| 21 years | $15,601 |
| 23 years | $18,153 |
| 25 years | $20,705 |
Top Solar Installers in Anacortes
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Anacortes:
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 Anacortes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Anacortes
The cost of installing a solar system in Anacortes 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 home 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 important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,590. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Anacortes, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Anacortes homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Anacortes, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $9,565 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,156 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $16,948 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $20,940 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $25,134 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $29,528 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $34,124 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $38,921 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Anacortes, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Anacortes, WA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Anacortes?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
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 $841.55 per year.
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 requires 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 home 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.