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.
In August, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average August homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,350 with the federal tax credit, or $10,510 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Even with the high initial cost, the average August homeowner can save around $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, 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
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations 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 August
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in August
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in August: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in August, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in August provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s a good idea to include 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role 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 company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more 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 model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 August, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in August?
The average cost of solar panels in August is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in August?
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 electricity bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.