Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rancho Calaveras, CA (2024 Update)
- Rancho Calaveras Solar Installation Cost: $7,416
- 25-Year Savings: $20,406
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rancho Calaveras
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Rancho Calaveras.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rancho Calaveras it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,416 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Rancho Calaveras homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $33,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rancho Calaveras find going solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rancho Calaveras
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,878 |
| 3 years | $-2,802 |
| 5 years | $273 |
| 7 years | $3,349 |
| 9 years | $6,425 |
| 11 years | $9,501 |
| 13 years | $12,577 |
| 15 years | $15,652 |
| 17 years | $18,728 |
| 19 years | $21,804 |
| 21 years | $24,880 |
| 23 years | $27,956 |
| 25 years | $31,031 |
Top Solar Installers in Rancho Calaveras
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Another great thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Rancho Calaveras
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rancho Calaveras
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Rancho Calaveras: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation 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 brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, 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 out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Rancho Calaveras, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Rancho Calaveras have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $36,410 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,935 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,654 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,568 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,676 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,979 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $114,475 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $128,167 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Rancho Calaveras, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rancho Calaveras?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rancho Calaveras?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.