Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alum Rock, CA (2023 Update)
- Alum Rock Solar Installation Cost: $5,703
- 25-Year Savings: $20,628
- Payback Period: 5.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alum Rock
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Alum Rock.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Alum Rock it's 2.73 per watt. Because a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Alum Rock, the average price of going solar will be about $5,695 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $34,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Alum Rock find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alum Rock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,165 |
| 3 years | $-1,089 |
| 5 years | $1,987 |
| 7 years | $5,062 |
| 9 years | $8,138 |
| 11 years | $11,214 |
| 13 years | $14,290 |
| 15 years | $17,366 |
| 17 years | $20,441 |
| 19 years | $23,517 |
| 21 years | $26,593 |
| 23 years | $29,669 |
| 25 years | $32,745 |
Top Solar Installers in Alum Rock
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're looking for a solar company in Alum Rock, the EcoWatch team has organized 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
See all of the solar companies in Alum Rock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alum Rock
For many Alum Rock homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Alum Rock, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Alum Rock. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Alum Rock average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Alum Rock, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 want and also fits 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $41,015 | 5.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,993 | 5.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $69,123 | 5.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $83,407 | 5.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $97,843 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $112,432 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $127,174 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $142,069 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 Alum Rock, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alum Rock?
This is a tough 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Alum Rock?
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 don't have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Alum Rock, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.