Solar Panel Cost Guide in White Center, WA (2024 Update)
- White Center 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 White Center
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in White Center.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in White Center generally cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in White Center is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,925 for a solar installation, or $15,623 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in White Center see about $17,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in White Center for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in White Center
| 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 White Center
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
If you're searching for a solar company in White Center, 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 White Center
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in White Center
There are several criteria that can determine 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in White Center, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. White Center’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 want and also fit into 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 | $10,183 | 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
There are a large number of companies available in White Center, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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 what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of 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 White Center, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in White Center?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in White Center?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.