Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waller, WA (2024 Update)
- Waller Solar Installation Cost: $10,754
- 25-Year Savings: $10,768
- Payback Period: 14.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waller
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Waller.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Waller it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Waller, most homeowners require a 4.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,754, or $15,378 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Waller homeowner can save about $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waller
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,510 |
| 3 years | $-7,021 |
| 5 years | $-4,532 |
| 7 years | $-2,043 |
| 9 years | $445 |
| 11 years | $2,934 |
| 13 years | $5,423 |
| 15 years | $7,912 |
| 17 years | $10,400 |
| 19 years | $12,889 |
| 21 years | $15,378 |
| 23 years | $17,866 |
| 25 years | $20,355 |
Top Solar Installers in Waller
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Waller, 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 Waller
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waller
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Waller: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Waller, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Waller have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $10,595 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $14,529 | 14.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $18,664 | 14.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $22,999 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $27,536 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $32,274 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $37,213 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $42,353 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Waller, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waller?
The average cost of solar panels in Waller 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Waller?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Waller, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.