Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carmichael, CA (2023 Update)
- Carmichael Solar Installation Cost: $5,894
- 25-Year Savings: $14,686
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carmichael
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Carmichael.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Carmichael, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. The average Carmichael homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,886 with the federal tax credit, or $8,417 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Carmichael for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Carmichael
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,897 |
| 3 years | $-2,904 |
| 5 years | $-912 |
| 7 years | $1,081 |
| 9 years | $3,074 |
| 11 years | $5,067 |
| 13 years | $7,059 |
| 15 years | $9,052 |
| 17 years | $11,045 |
| 19 years | $13,038 |
| 21 years | $15,030 |
| 23 years | $17,023 |
| 25 years | $19,016 |
Top Solar Installers in Carmichael
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another great thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Carmichael
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carmichael
Though the average cost of a solar system in Carmichael is $5,886, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Carmichael average.
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 Carmichael homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Carmichael, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $28,112 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,789 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $47,618 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $57,601 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $67,736 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,024 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $88,465 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,059 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Carmichael, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carmichael?
The average cost of solar panels in Carmichael 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.