Solar Panel Cost Guide in Boulder Creek, CA (2024 Update)
- Boulder Creek Solar Installation Cost: $7,464
- 25-Year Savings: $20,459
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Boulder Creek
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Boulder Creek.
In Boulder Creek, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Boulder Creek is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,464 for a solar installation, or $10,674 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $33,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Boulder Creek find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Boulder Creek, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Boulder Creek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,926 |
| 3 years | $-2,850 |
| 5 years | $226 |
| 7 years | $3,302 |
| 9 years | $6,378 |
| 11 years | $9,453 |
| 13 years | $12,529 |
| 15 years | $15,605 |
| 17 years | $18,681 |
| 19 years | $21,757 |
| 21 years | $24,832 |
| 23 years | $27,908 |
| 25 years | $30,984 |
Top Solar Installers in Boulder Creek
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions 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
See all of the solar companies in Boulder Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Boulder Creek
Though the average cost of a solar system in Boulder Creek is $7,464, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,470. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Boulder Creek, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $36,259 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,734 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,403 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,267 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,325 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,577 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $114,024 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,665 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Boulder Creek, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Boulder Creek, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Boulder Creek?
The average cost of solar panels in Boulder Creek 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Boulder Creek?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Boulder Creek?
Although 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 replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.