Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arden Arcade, CA (2023 Update)

  • Arden Arcade Solar Installation Cost: $5,886
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,693
  • Payback Period: 7.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arden Arcade

See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Arden Arcade.

In Arden Arcade, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Arden Arcade homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,886 with the federal tax credit, or $8,417 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Arden Arcade based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Arden Arcade homeowners see about $25,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Arden Arcade that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Arden Arcade

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,063
3 years $-3,416
5 years $-1,770
7 years $-124
9 years $1,523
11 years $3,169
13 years $4,815
15 years $6,462
17 years $8,108
19 years $9,754
21 years $11,401
23 years $13,047
25 years $14,693

Top Solar Installers in Arden Arcade

When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Arden Arcade, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Arden Arcade

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arden Arcade

For many Arden Arcade homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Arden Arcade, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly 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 installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Arden Arcade have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

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 $28,112 7.4 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $37,789 7.3 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $47,618 7.2 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $57,601 7.0 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $67,736 6.9 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $78,024 6.7 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $88,465 6.6 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $99,059 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
  • 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 significant role in the company you opt for.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Arden Arcade, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Arden Arcade?

The average cost of solar panels in Arden Arcade is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Arden Arcade?

Solar panels aren't free in Arden Arcade, 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.

Do solar panels increase your property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for 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 solar panels."

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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.

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