Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellingham, WA (2024 Update)
- Bellingham Solar Installation Cost: $11,157
- 25-Year Savings: $10,469
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellingham
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bellingham.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bellingham, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.4-kW system would cost about $11,157 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Bellingham homeowners see about $17,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Bellingham for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Bellingham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,881 |
| 3 years | $-7,329 |
| 5 years | $-4,778 |
| 7 years | $-2,226 |
| 9 years | $326 |
| 11 years | $2,878 |
| 13 years | $5,430 |
| 15 years | $7,981 |
| 17 years | $10,533 |
| 19 years | $13,085 |
| 21 years | $15,637 |
| 23 years | $18,189 |
| 25 years | $20,741 |
Top Solar Installers in Bellingham
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Another great thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you're searching for a solar company in Bellingham, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Bellingham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellingham
For many Bellingham homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bellingham, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea 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 how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car 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 | $9,646 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,263 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $17,081 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $21,101 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $25,321 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $29,743 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $34,365 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $39,189 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Bellingham, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bellingham?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bellingham?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $844.23 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 account for 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.
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.