Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arcata, CA (2025 Update)
- Arcata Solar Installation Cost: $7,877
- 25-Year Savings: $30,571
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arcata
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Arcata.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Arcata it’s 3 per watt.The average Arcata homeowner needs a 3.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,877 with the federal tax credit, or $11,264 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Arcata depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the large initial cost, the average Arcata homeowner can save around $31,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Arcata
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,339 |
| 3 years | $-3,263 |
| 5 years | $-187 |
| 7 years | $2,888 |
| 9 years | $5,964 |
| 11 years | $9,040 |
| 13 years | $12,116 |
| 15 years | $15,192 |
| 17 years | $18,267 |
| 19 years | $21,343 |
| 21 years | $24,419 |
| 23 years | $27,495 |
| 25 years | $30,571 |
Top Solar Installers in Arcata
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Arcata, we've 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
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 Arcata
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arcata
The cost of installing a solar system in Arcata can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Arcata, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Arcata, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining the cost. Arcata’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $33,561 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $45,137 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $56,907 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $68,871 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $81,030 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $93,382 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $105,930 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $118,671 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Arcata, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arcata?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want extra 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 want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly 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 a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.