Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alta Sierra, CA (2024 Update)
- Alta Sierra Solar Installation Cost: $7,488
- 25-Year Savings: $20,440
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alta Sierra
We go over average solar pricing in Alta Sierra.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Alta Sierra it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Alta Sierra is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,488 for a solar installation, or $10,708 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Alta Sierra based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Alta Sierra homeowner can save about $32,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Alta Sierra
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,950 |
| 3 years | $-2,875 |
| 5 years | $201 |
| 7 years | $3,277 |
| 9 years | $6,353 |
| 11 years | $9,429 |
| 13 years | $12,504 |
| 15 years | $15,580 |
| 17 years | $18,656 |
| 19 years | $21,732 |
| 21 years | $24,808 |
| 23 years | $27,883 |
| 25 years | $30,959 |
Top Solar Installers in Alta Sierra
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Alta Sierra
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alta Sierra
For many Alta Sierra homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Alta Sierra, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Alta Sierra, 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Alta Sierra, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally 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 additional 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 | $36,089 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,508 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,121 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $73,928 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $86,929 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,125 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,515 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,099 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Alta Sierra, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alta Sierra?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Alta Sierra?
Solar panels aren’t free in Alta Sierra, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Alta Sierra is currently $545,258, which means you can look forward to a value of about $22,356 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Alta Sierra is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.