Solar Panel Cost Guide in Keyes, CA (2024 Update)
- Keyes Solar Installation Cost: $7,258
- 25-Year Savings: $18,373
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Keyes
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Keyes.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Keyes generally cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $7,258 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Keyes depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Keyes homeowners see about $31,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Keyes, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Keyes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,175 |
| 3 years | $-4,009 |
| 5 years | $-1,844 |
| 7 years | $322 |
| 9 years | $2,487 |
| 11 years | $4,653 |
| 13 years | $6,818 |
| 15 years | $8,984 |
| 17 years | $11,150 |
| 19 years | $13,315 |
| 21 years | $15,481 |
| 23 years | $17,646 |
| 25 years | $19,812 |
Top Solar Installers in Keyes
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Keyes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Keyes
While the average cost of a solar system in Keyes is $7,258, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Keyes, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Keyes homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Keyes, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 | $33,203 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $44,660 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $56,310 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $68,155 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $80,195 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $92,428 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $104,856 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $117,478 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
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 Keyes, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Keyes?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Keyes?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Keyes. 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.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Keyes?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.