Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arbuckle, CA (Mar 2023)
- Arbuckle Solar Installation Cost: $5,886
- 25-Year Savings: $20,445
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arbuckle
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Arbuckle.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Arbuckle is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Arbuckle is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,886 for a solar installation, or $8,417 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $32,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Arbuckle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,833 |
| 3 years | $-2,726 |
| 5 years | $-620 |
| 7 years | $1,487 |
| 9 years | $3,593 |
| 11 years | $5,700 |
| 13 years | $7,806 |
| 15 years | $9,913 |
| 17 years | $12,019 |
| 19 years | $14,126 |
| 21 years | $16,232 |
| 23 years | $18,339 |
| 25 years | $20,445 |
Top Solar Installers in Arbuckle
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Arbuckle:
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 Arbuckle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arbuckle
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Arbuckle: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Arbuckle, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Arbuckle average.
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 Arbuckle homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. 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 bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence how much you pay. Arbuckle's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Arbuckle know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $39,355 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,780 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,357 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,087 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $93,970 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,005 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $122,194 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,535 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 Arbuckle, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arbuckle?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Arbuckle?
Solar panels aren't free in Arbuckle, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 needs 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 house 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.