Solar Panel Cost Guide in Albany, CA (Mar 2023)
- Albany Solar Installation Cost: $5,752
- 25-Year Savings: $20,579
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Albany
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Albany.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Albany generally cost around 2.73. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Albany, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,752, or $8,225 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Albany can save around $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Albany for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Albany
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,699 |
| 3 years | $-2,592 |
| 5 years | $-486 |
| 7 years | $1,621 |
| 9 years | $3,727 |
| 11 years | $5,834 |
| 13 years | $7,940 |
| 15 years | $10,046 |
| 17 years | $12,153 |
| 19 years | $14,259 |
| 21 years | $16,366 |
| 23 years | $18,472 |
| 25 years | $20,579 |
Top Solar Installers in Albany
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Albany, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Albany
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Albany
There are a number of criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Albany, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect how much it costs. Albany's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $40,546 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,367 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $68,341 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $82,468 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $96,747 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $111,180 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $125,765 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $140,504 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Albany, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Albany, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Albany?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.