Solar Panel Cost Guide in Folsom, CA (2024 Update)
- Folsom Solar Installation Cost: $7,491
- 25-Year Savings: $18,520
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Folsom
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Folsom.
In Folsom, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Folsom homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,491 with the federal tax credit, or $10,712 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Folsom based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Folsom homeowner can save around $30,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Folsom
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,171 |
| 3 years | $-3,530 |
| 5 years | $-890 |
| 7 years | $1,751 |
| 9 years | $4,391 |
| 11 years | $7,032 |
| 13 years | $9,672 |
| 15 years | $12,312 |
| 17 years | $14,953 |
| 19 years | $17,593 |
| 21 years | $20,234 |
| 23 years | $22,874 |
| 25 years | $25,515 |
Top Solar Installers in Folsom
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Folsom
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Folsom
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Folsom: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Folsom, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Folsom have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Folsom homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Folsom, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 | $32,340 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $43,509 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $54,872 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $66,429 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $78,181 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $90,127 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $102,267 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $114,602 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your company 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 Folsom, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Folsom?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Folsom?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Folsom. However, you may still be able to afford 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 going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.