Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cheney, WA (2024 Update)
- Cheney Solar Installation Cost: $10,693
- 25-Year Savings: $10,813
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cheney
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Cheney.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Cheney is 4 per watt.Since a 4.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Cheney, the average price of going solar will be about $10,693 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember 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 to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Cheney can save around $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Cheney, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cheney
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,525 |
| 3 years | $-7,189 |
| 5 years | $-4,854 |
| 7 years | $-2,518 |
| 9 years | $-182 |
| 11 years | $2,153 |
| 13 years | $4,489 |
| 15 years | $6,825 |
| 17 years | $9,160 |
| 19 years | $11,496 |
| 21 years | $13,832 |
| 23 years | $16,167 |
| 25 years | $18,503 |
Top Solar Installers in Cheney
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Cheney, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Cheney
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cheney
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Cheney: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
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, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,590. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Cheney homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Cheney, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $10,745 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $14,729 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $18,914 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $23,300 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $27,887 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $32,675 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $37,664 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $42,854 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Cheney, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over 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.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
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 Cheney, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cheney?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive 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 less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cheney?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Cheney. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Cheney?
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 decide 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.