Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vallejo, CA (2024 Update)
- Vallejo Solar Installation Cost: $7,414
- 25-Year Savings: $20,498
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vallejo
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Vallejo.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Vallejo generally cost around 3.The average solar panel system size in Vallejo is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,414 for a solar installation, or $10,602 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Vallejo see about $33,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vallejo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,876 |
| 3 years | $-2,800 |
| 5 years | $276 |
| 7 years | $3,351 |
| 9 years | $6,427 |
| 11 years | $9,503 |
| 13 years | $12,579 |
| 15 years | $15,655 |
| 17 years | $18,730 |
| 19 years | $21,806 |
| 21 years | $24,882 |
| 23 years | $27,958 |
| 25 years | $31,034 |
Top Solar Installers in Vallejo
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another advantage of going with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Vallejo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vallejo
For many Vallejo homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Vallejo, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Vallejo.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Vallejo average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Vallejo homeowners, they can also add to 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 last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Vallejo, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $36,603 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $49,193 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,977 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,956 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $88,128 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $101,495 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $115,057 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $128,813 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company 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 Vallejo, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vallejo?
The average cost of solar panels in Vallejo is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
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 be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Vallejo is currently $544,648, which means you can look forward to a value of about $22,331 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Vallejo is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Vallejo?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.