Solar Panel Cost Guide in August, CA (2024 Update)
- August Solar Installation Cost: $7,350
- 25-Year Savings: $20,548
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in August
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in August.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in August it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in August is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,350 for a solar installation, or $10,510 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of August homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average August homeowners see about $33,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in August
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,812 |
| 3 years | $-2,737 |
| 5 years | $339 |
| 7 years | $3,415 |
| 9 years | $6,491 |
| 11 years | $9,567 |
| 13 years | $12,642 |
| 15 years | $15,718 |
| 17 years | $18,794 |
| 19 years | $21,870 |
| 21 years | $24,946 |
| 23 years | $28,021 |
| 25 years | $31,097 |
Top Solar Installers in August
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 August
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in August
There are a number of criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the August average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in August to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for August homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in August, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $37,051 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $49,790 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $62,724 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $75,851 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $89,173 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $102,690 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $116,401 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $130,306 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- 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 August, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in August?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does August have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
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 opt to replace them once you've had 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.