Solar Panel Cost Guide in Douglas, WY (2024 Update)
- Douglas Solar Installation Cost: $37,869
- 25-Year Savings: $41,178
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Douglas
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Douglas.
In Douglas, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Douglas homeowner needs a 15.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $37,869 with the federal tax credit, or $54,153 before the 0 tax credit 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 system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Douglas homeowner can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Douglas for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Douglas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-36,746 |
| 3 years | $-34,501 |
| 5 years | $-32,256 |
| 7 years | $-30,011 |
| 9 years | $-27,766 |
| 11 years | $-25,521 |
| 13 years | $-23,276 |
| 15 years | $-21,031 |
| 17 years | $-18,786 |
| 19 years | $-16,541 |
| 21 years | $-14,296 |
| 23 years | $-12,051 |
| 25 years | $-9,806 |
Top Solar Installers in Douglas
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Another upside of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
See all of the solar companies in Douglas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Douglas
Though the average cost of a solar system in Douglas is $37,869, your final cost may differ. There are many 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,580 per kilowatt in Douglas.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Douglas homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Douglas, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.72 | $15,637 | $11,506 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $15,743 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $20,179 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $24,817 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $29,654 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $34,693 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $39,931 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $45,371 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
Solar Veteran
Creative Energies
- Certified B Corp
- Outstanding customer service
- Many years of experience
- Multitude of products and services
- No leases or PPAs
- Slightly expensive
EcoWatch's Douglas, WY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Douglas?
The average cost of solar panels in Douglas is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Douglas?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Douglas?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.