Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bear Valley Springs, CA (2024 Update)
- Bear Valley Springs Solar Installation Cost: $7,037
- 25-Year Savings: $15,753
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bear Valley Springs
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Bear Valley Springs.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bear Valley Springs it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Bear Valley Springs is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,037 for a solar installation, or $10,063 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Bear Valley Springs can save about $28,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bear Valley Springs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,676 |
| 3 years | $-2,953 |
| 5 years | $-231 |
| 7 years | $2,492 |
| 9 years | $5,215 |
| 11 years | $7,937 |
| 13 years | $10,660 |
| 15 years | $13,383 |
| 17 years | $16,105 |
| 19 years | $18,828 |
| 21 years | $21,551 |
| 23 years | $24,273 |
| 25 years | $26,996 |
Top Solar Installers in Bear Valley Springs
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Bear Valley Springs:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Bear Valley Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bear Valley Springs
For many Bear Valley Springs homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bear Valley Springs, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,470. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bear Valley Springs, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Bear Valley Springs homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Bear Valley Springs’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $28,934 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $38,967 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $49,194 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $59,616 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $70,232 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $81,042 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $92,047 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $103,246 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining 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:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Bear Valley Springs, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bear Valley Springs?
The average cost of solar panels in Bear Valley Springs is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bear Valley Springs?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bear Valley Springs is currently $367,133, so you can expect a value of about $15,052 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bear Valley Springs is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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.