Solar Panel Cost Guide in Exeter, CA (2024 Update)
- Exeter Solar Installation Cost: $7,187
- 25-Year Savings: $13,115
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Exeter
We go over average solar pricing in Exeter.
In Exeter, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Exeter homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,187 with the federal tax credit, or $10,277 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Exeter based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Exeter for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Exeter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,002 |
| 3 years | $-3,633 |
| 5 years | $-1,263 |
| 7 years | $1,106 |
| 9 years | $3,476 |
| 11 years | $5,845 |
| 13 years | $8,215 |
| 15 years | $10,584 |
| 17 years | $12,954 |
| 19 years | $15,323 |
| 21 years | $17,693 |
| 23 years | $20,062 |
| 25 years | $22,432 |
Top Solar Installers in Exeter
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Exeter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Exeter
The cost of installing a solar system in Exeter can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Exeter, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Exeter, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Exeter to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Exeter is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $22,904 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $30,927 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $39,145 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $47,557 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $56,163 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $64,963 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $73,958 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $83,147 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Exeter, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high 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: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Exeter, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Exeter?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Exeter have a net metering program?
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.
How long do solar panels last in Exeter?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.