Solar Panel Cost Guide in Citrus Heights, CA (2024 Update)
- Citrus Heights Solar Installation Cost: $7,491
- 25-Year Savings: $16,945
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Citrus Heights
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Citrus Heights.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Citrus Heights generally cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,491 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Citrus Heights based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Citrus Heights homeowners see about $28,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Citrus Heights that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Citrus Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,311 |
| 3 years | $-3,950 |
| 5 years | $-1,589 |
| 7 years | $772 |
| 9 years | $3,133 |
| 11 years | $5,493 |
| 13 years | $7,854 |
| 15 years | $10,215 |
| 17 years | $12,576 |
| 19 years | $14,937 |
| 21 years | $17,298 |
| 23 years | $19,658 |
| 25 years | $22,019 |
Top Solar Installers in Citrus Heights
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Citrus Heights:
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 Citrus Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Citrus Heights
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,470. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Citrus Heights average.
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 Citrus Heights homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to add 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Citrus Heights, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $29,275 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $39,422 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $49,763 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $60,299 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $71,028 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $81,953 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $93,071 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $104,384 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Citrus Heights, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Citrus Heights?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Citrus Heights?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Citrus Heights. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 install 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.