Solar Panel Cost Guide in Acton, CA (2023 Update)
- Acton Solar Installation Cost: $5,444
- 25-Year Savings: $13,325
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Acton
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Acton.
In Acton, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Acton, the average price of going solar will be about $5,446 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Acton homeowner can save around $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Acton for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Acton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,382 |
| 3 years | $-5,257 |
| 5 years | $-5,132 |
| 7 years | $-5,007 |
| 9 years | $-4,881 |
| 11 years | $-4,756 |
| 13 years | $-4,631 |
| 15 years | $-4,506 |
| 17 years | $-4,381 |
| 19 years | $-4,256 |
| 21 years | $-4,131 |
| 23 years | $-4,006 |
| 25 years | $-3,880 |
Top Solar Installers in Acton
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar company 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
See all of the solar companies in Acton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Acton
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Acton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Acton homeowners decide 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Acton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $27,602 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,109 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $46,769 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $56,581 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $66,546 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $76,664 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $86,935 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $97,359 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of 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
EcoWatch's Acton, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Acton?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Acton is currently $335,512, so you could be looking at a value of about $13,756 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Acton is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Acton?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.