Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn, CA (2024 Update)
- Auburn Solar Installation Cost: $7,514
- 25-Year Savings: $19,188
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn
We break down average solar pricing in Auburn.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Auburn, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Because a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Auburn, the average price of going solar will be about $7,514 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Auburn depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $31,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Auburn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,185 |
| 3 years | $-3,528 |
| 5 years | $-870 |
| 7 years | $1,788 |
| 9 years | $4,445 |
| 11 years | $7,103 |
| 13 years | $9,761 |
| 15 years | $12,418 |
| 17 years | $15,076 |
| 19 years | $17,734 |
| 21 years | $20,391 |
| 23 years | $23,049 |
| 25 years | $25,707 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn
When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Auburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Auburn is $7,514, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Auburn’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $33,526 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $45,089 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $56,848 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $68,800 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $80,947 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $93,288 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $105,824 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $118,553 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Auburn, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Auburn?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Auburn is currently $610,592, so you can look forward to a value of about $25,034 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Auburn is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.