Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cottage Lake, WA (2024 Update)
- Cottage Lake Solar Installation Cost: $10,925
- 25-Year Savings: $10,641
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cottage Lake
We break down average solar pricing in Cottage Lake.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cottage Lake, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.3-kW system would cost about $10,925 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cottage Lake find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cottage Lake
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,649 |
| 3 years | $-7,098 |
| 5 years | $-4,546 |
| 7 years | $-1,994 |
| 9 years | $558 |
| 11 years | $3,110 |
| 13 years | $5,661 |
| 15 years | $8,213 |
| 17 years | $10,765 |
| 19 years | $13,317 |
| 21 years | $15,869 |
| 23 years | $18,421 |
| 25 years | $20,972 |
Top Solar Installers in Cottage Lake
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Cottage Lake, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Cottage Lake, 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 Cottage Lake
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cottage Lake
There are a number of factors 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 installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,590.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cottage Lake to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Cottage Lake homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Cottage Lake, you’ll have plenty 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 compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $10,183 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,979 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $17,977 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $22,175 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $26,575 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $31,176 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $35,977 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $40,980 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect 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 a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Cottage Lake, WA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cottage Lake?
The average cost of solar panels in Cottage Lake is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Cottage Lake?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Cottage Lake, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Cottage Lake?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Cottage Lake?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.