Solar Panel Cost Guide in Florence-Graham, CA (2024 Update)
- Florence-Graham Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $14,411
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Florence-Graham
We break down average solar pricing in Florence-Graham.
In Florence-Graham, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Florence-Graham, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $6,920, or $9,896 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $26,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Florence-Graham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,704 |
| 3 years | $-3,272 |
| 5 years | $-839 |
| 7 years | $1,593 |
| 9 years | $4,026 |
| 11 years | $6,458 |
| 13 years | $8,890 |
| 15 years | $11,323 |
| 17 years | $13,755 |
| 19 years | $16,188 |
| 21 years | $18,620 |
| 23 years | $21,053 |
| 25 years | $23,485 |
Top Solar Installers in Florence-Graham
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Florence-Graham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Florence-Graham
There are a number of criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Florence-Graham, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type 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 energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Florence-Graham average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Florence-Graham homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher 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 solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Florence-Graham, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of 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 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 | $26,657 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $35,932 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $45,401 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $55,064 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $64,921 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $74,973 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $85,219 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $95,659 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your total 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 consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: When reading 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 like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Florence-Graham, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Florence-Graham?
The average cost of solar panels in Florence-Graham is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Florence-Graham?
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 property 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 savings from going solar.
Does Florence-Graham have a net metering program?
Each state has some form 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 power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.