Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sudden Valley, WA (2024 Update)
- Sudden Valley 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 Sudden Valley
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Sudden Valley.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sudden Valley, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Sudden Valley homeowner needs a 4.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,157 with the federal tax credit, or $15,955 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Sudden Valley can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sudden Valley
| 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 Sudden Valley
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra energy and handiness. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Sudden Valley, the EcoWatch team has 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 Sudden Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sudden Valley
Though the average cost of a solar system in Sudden Valley is $11,157, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sudden Valley, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Sudden Valley provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Sudden Valley, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 panel company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
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 Sudden Valley, WA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sudden Valley?
The average cost of solar panels in Sudden Valley 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Sudden Valley?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $844.23 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Sudden Valley?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.