Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alpine, CA (2023 Update)
- Alpine Solar Installation Cost: $5,370
- 25-Year Savings: $17,670
- Payback Period: 5.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alpine
We break down average solar pricing in Alpine.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Alpine generally cost about 2.73. The average solar panel system size in Alpine is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,370 for a solar installation, or $7,679 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Alpine homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Alpine homeowners see about $31,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alpine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,448 |
| 3 years | $-2,605 |
| 5 years | $-762 |
| 7 years | $1,081 |
| 9 years | $2,924 |
| 11 years | $4,768 |
| 13 years | $6,611 |
| 15 years | $8,454 |
| 17 years | $10,297 |
| 19 years | $12,140 |
| 21 years | $13,984 |
| 23 years | $15,827 |
| 25 years | $17,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Alpine
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and expertise. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 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 Alpine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alpine
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Alpine: 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Alpine, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Alpine to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Alpine, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 | $37,188 | 6.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $49,889 | 6.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $62,744 | 5.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $75,751 | 5.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $88,911 | 5.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $102,224 | 5.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $115,690 | 5.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $129,309 | 5.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Alpine, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
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 Alpine, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alpine?
This is a difficult 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Alpine?
A solar panel system isn't free in Alpine, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know 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.