Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Highlands, CA (2024 Update)
- North Highlands Solar Installation Cost: $7,491
- 25-Year Savings: $14,686
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Highlands
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in North Highlands.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in North Highlands it’s 3 per watt.Because a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in North Highlands, the average price of going solar will be about $7,491 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $25,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in North Highlands find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in North Highlands, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Highlands
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,407 |
| 3 years | $-4,238 |
| 5 years | $-2,069 |
| 7 years | $100 |
| 9 years | $2,269 |
| 11 years | $4,438 |
| 13 years | $6,607 |
| 15 years | $8,775 |
| 17 years | $10,944 |
| 19 years | $13,113 |
| 21 years | $15,282 |
| 23 years | $17,451 |
| 25 years | $19,620 |
Top Solar Installers in North Highlands
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 North Highlands
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Highlands
While the average cost of a solar system in North Highlands is $7,491, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in North Highlands, 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.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in North Highlands to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $24,880 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $33,562 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $42,438 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $51,509 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $60,774 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $70,233 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $79,887 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $89,735 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact 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 keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 North Highlands, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Highlands?
This is a difficult 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 above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in North Highlands?
You can’t get solar panels for free in North Highlands. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in North Highlands?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 level 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.