Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cameron Park, CA (Mar 2023)
- Cameron Park Solar Installation Cost: $5,886
- 25-Year Savings: $19,295
- Payback Period: 5.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cameron Park
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Cameron Park.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cameron Park, the average cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Cameron Park, the average price of going solar will be about $5,886 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Cameron Park homeowner can save about $31,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in Cameron Park, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cameron Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,879 |
| 3 years | $-2,864 |
| 5 years | $-850 |
| 7 years | $1,165 |
| 9 years | $3,179 |
| 11 years | $5,194 |
| 13 years | $7,208 |
| 15 years | $9,223 |
| 17 years | $11,237 |
| 19 years | $13,251 |
| 21 years | $15,266 |
| 23 years | $17,280 |
| 25 years | $19,295 |
Top Solar Installers in Cameron Park
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Cameron Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cameron Park
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key 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 raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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 in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Cameron Park average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Cameron Park, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $37,052 | 6.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $49,709 | 6.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $62,518 | 5.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $75,480 | 5.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $88,595 | 5.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $101,863 | 5.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $115,284 | 5.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $128,858 | 5.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Cameron Park, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cameron Park?
The average cost of solar panels in Cameron Park is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Cameron Park?
Solar panels aren't free in Cameron Park, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Cameron Park?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.