Solar Panel Cost Guide in Atwater, CA (2023 Update)
- Atwater Solar Installation Cost: $5,662
- 25-Year Savings: $19,706
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Atwater
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Atwater.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Atwater generally cost about 2.73. Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $5,657 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Atwater depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Atwater
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,124 |
| 3 years | $-1,049 |
| 5 years | $2,027 |
| 7 years | $5,103 |
| 9 years | $8,179 |
| 11 years | $11,255 |
| 13 years | $14,330 |
| 15 years | $17,406 |
| 17 years | $20,482 |
| 19 years | $23,558 |
| 21 years | $26,634 |
| 23 years | $29,709 |
| 25 years | $32,785 |
Top Solar Installers in Atwater
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and handiness. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Atwater, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Atwater
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Atwater
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Atwater: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Atwater, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $39,444 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,898 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,505 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,264 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $94,176 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,242 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $122,460 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,831 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers 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.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Atwater, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Atwater?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, 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 Atwater?
A solar panel system isn't free in Atwater, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home 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?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.