Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benicia, CA (2023 Update)
- Benicia Solar Installation Cost: $5,833
- 25-Year Savings: $20,498
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Benicia
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Benicia.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Benicia, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. 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.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Benicia that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Benicia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,295 |
| 3 years | $-1,219 |
| 5 years | $1,857 |
| 7 years | $4,932 |
| 9 years | $8,008 |
| 11 years | $11,084 |
| 13 years | $14,160 |
| 15 years | $17,236 |
| 17 years | $20,311 |
| 19 years | $23,387 |
| 21 years | $26,463 |
| 23 years | $29,539 |
| 25 years | $32,615 |
Top Solar Installers in Benicia
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be challenging. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company 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
See all of the solar companies in Benicia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Benicia
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Benicia: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require 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 $2,730. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Benicia, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. 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're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Benicia is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $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 impact 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 a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though 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 take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Benicia, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Benicia?
The average cost of solar panels in Benicia is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Benicia?
You can't get solar panels for free in Benicia. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Benicia?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.