Solar Panel Cost Guide in Woodland, CA (2024 Update)
- Woodland Solar Installation Cost: $7,476
- 25-Year Savings: $19,299
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Woodland
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Woodland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Woodland it’s 3 per watt.Because a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Woodland, the average price of going solar will be about $7,476 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Woodland depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Woodland see about $31,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Woodland for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Woodland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,938 |
| 3 years | $-2,863 |
| 5 years | $213 |
| 7 years | $3,289 |
| 9 years | $6,365 |
| 11 years | $9,441 |
| 13 years | $12,516 |
| 15 years | $15,592 |
| 17 years | $18,668 |
| 19 years | $21,744 |
| 21 years | $24,820 |
| 23 years | $27,895 |
| 25 years | $30,971 |
Top Solar Installers in Woodland
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Woodland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Woodland
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Woodland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in Woodland.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment is more than 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Woodland homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Woodland, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within 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 | $33,928 | 7.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $45,627 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $57,519 | 7.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $69,606 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $81,887 | 7.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $94,362 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $107,032 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $119,896 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- 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 your solar system’s energy production.
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 Woodland, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Woodland?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, 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 Woodland?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Woodland?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.