Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orangevale, CA (2024 Update)
- Orangevale Solar Installation Cost: $7,491
- 25-Year Savings: $17,721
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orangevale
We break down average solar pricing in Orangevale.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Orangevale it’s 3 per watt.Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Orangevale, the average price of going solar will be about $7,491 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $29,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Orangevale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,135 |
| 3 years | $-3,421 |
| 5 years | $-708 |
| 7 years | $2,005 |
| 9 years | $4,718 |
| 11 years | $7,431 |
| 13 years | $10,144 |
| 15 years | $12,857 |
| 17 years | $15,570 |
| 19 years | $18,283 |
| 21 years | $20,996 |
| 23 years | $23,709 |
| 25 years | $26,422 |
Top Solar Installers in Orangevale
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Orangevale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orangevale
The cost of installing a solar system in Orangevale can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use 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 kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Orangevale to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Orangevale’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Orangevale are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $30,785 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $41,435 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $52,280 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $63,319 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $74,552 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $85,980 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $97,602 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $109,418 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Orangevale, 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:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Orangevale, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Orangevale?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Orangevale?
Solar panels aren’t free in Orangevale, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,531.40 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Orangevale?
Even 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.