Solar Panel Cost Guide in Centralia, WA (2024 Update)
- Centralia Solar Installation Cost: $10,842
- 25-Year Savings: $21,056
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Centralia
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Centralia.
In Centralia, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Centralia, most homeowners require a 4.3-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,842, or $15,504 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Centralia can save about $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Centralia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,566 |
| 3 years | $-7,014 |
| 5 years | $-4,462 |
| 7 years | $-1,911 |
| 9 years | $641 |
| 11 years | $3,193 |
| 13 years | $5,745 |
| 15 years | $8,297 |
| 17 years | $10,848 |
| 19 years | $13,400 |
| 21 years | $15,952 |
| 23 years | $18,504 |
| 25 years | $21,056 |
Top Solar Installers in Centralia
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Another good thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Centralia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Centralia
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Centralia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Centralia average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Centralia to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Centralia, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $10,382 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $14,245 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $18,309 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $22,573 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $27,039 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $31,706 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $36,574 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $41,643 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts 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 Centralia, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Centralia?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Centralia?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 the amount of 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 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.
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.