Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waterford, CA (2024 Update)
- Waterford Solar Installation Cost: $7,258
- 25-Year Savings: $19,826
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waterford
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Waterford.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Waterford generally cost about 3.The average Waterford homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,258 with the federal tax credit, or $10,379 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Waterford see about $32,000 in savings on utility 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 Waterford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,720 |
| 3 years | $-2,644 |
| 5 years | $432 |
| 7 years | $3,508 |
| 9 years | $6,583 |
| 11 years | $9,659 |
| 13 years | $12,735 |
| 15 years | $15,811 |
| 17 years | $18,887 |
| 19 years | $21,962 |
| 21 years | $25,038 |
| 23 years | $28,114 |
| 25 years | $31,190 |
Top Solar Installers in Waterford
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Waterford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waterford
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Waterford: 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 panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater 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 type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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 energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Waterford average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Waterford’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $36,121 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,550 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,174 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $73,991 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,003 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,210 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,610 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,205 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Waterford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Waterford, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waterford?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Waterford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Waterford have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.