Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rancho Cordova, CA (2024 Update)
- Rancho Cordova Solar Installation Cost: $7,491
- 25-Year Savings: $16,986
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rancho Cordova
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Rancho Cordova.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rancho Cordova typically cost about 3.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,491 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $28,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rancho Cordova
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,388 |
| 3 years | $-4,183 |
| 5 years | $-1,978 |
| 7 years | $227 |
| 9 years | $2,432 |
| 11 years | $4,637 |
| 13 years | $6,842 |
| 15 years | $9,048 |
| 17 years | $11,253 |
| 19 years | $13,458 |
| 21 years | $15,663 |
| 23 years | $17,868 |
| 25 years | $20,073 |
Top Solar Installers in Rancho Cordova
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Cordova
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rancho Cordova
For many Rancho Cordova homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rancho Cordova, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Rancho Cordova homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Rancho Cordova is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $29,356 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $39,530 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $49,899 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $60,461 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $71,218 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $82,169 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $93,315 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $104,655 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 Cordova, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rancho Cordova?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably 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 solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Rancho Cordova?
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 larger 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.