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 a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,514 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Auburn depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Auburn can save around $31,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Auburn that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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
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 Auburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn
The cost of installing a solar system in Auburn can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer 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. That’s why it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, 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 make decisions 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Auburn offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.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
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Auburn is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $33,526 | 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
There are numerous companies to choose from in Auburn, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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
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 Auburn, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Auburn?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home 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, which means you can expect 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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.