Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benicia, CA (Mar 2023)

  • Benicia Solar Installation Cost: $5,829
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,502
  • Payback Period: 5.5 Years

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By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Benicia

We break down average solar pricing in Benicia.

In Benicia, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Benicia homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,829 with the federal tax credit, or $8,335 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Benicia depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $33,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Benicia find going solar can be quite rewarding.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Benicia

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-4,775
3 years $-2,669
5 years $-562
7 years $1,544
9 years $3,651
11 years $5,757
13 years $7,864
15 years $9,970
17 years $12,077
19 years $14,183
21 years $16,289
23 years $18,396
25 years $20,502

Top Solar Installers in Benicia

Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Benicia

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Benicia

While the average cost of a solar system in Benicia is $5,829, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

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 higher 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 $2,730. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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 increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Benicia homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Benicia's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 of 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 promotion 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 $2.84 $11,925 $39,836 5.8 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $53,420 5.6 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $67,157 5.5 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $81,047 5.4 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $95,090 5.3 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $109,286 5.2 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $123,635 5.1 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $138,137 5.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:

  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Benicia, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Benicia?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Does Benicia have a net metering program?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How long do solar panels last in Benicia?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.

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