Solar Panel Cost Guide in Olympia, WA (2024 Update)
- Olympia Solar Installation Cost: $11,424
- 25-Year Savings: $10,271
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Olympia
We break down average solar pricing in Olympia.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Olympia it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Olympia, most homeowners require a 4.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,424, or $16,336 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Olympia homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Olympia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,148 |
| 3 years | $-7,596 |
| 5 years | $-5,045 |
| 7 years | $-2,493 |
| 9 years | $59 |
| 11 years | $2,611 |
| 13 years | $5,163 |
| 15 years | $7,714 |
| 17 years | $10,266 |
| 19 years | $12,818 |
| 21 years | $15,370 |
| 23 years | $17,922 |
| 25 years | $20,474 |
Top Solar Installers in Olympia
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Another good thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Olympia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Olympia
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Olympia is $11,424, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Olympia homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally 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 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 | $9,054 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $12,474 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $16,095 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $19,917 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $23,940 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $28,164 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $32,589 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $37,216 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 Olympia, WA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Olympia?
The average cost of solar panels in Olympia is about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Olympia?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Olympia. 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.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $824.50 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Olympia?
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 choose to 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.