Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cherry Valley, CA (Mar 2023)
- Cherry Valley Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $13,418
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cherry Valley
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Cherry Valley.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cherry Valley, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. The average Cherry Valley homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,351 with the federal tax credit, or $7,652 before the 30% 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. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Cherry Valley see about $25,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Cherry Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,600 |
| 3 years | $-3,099 |
| 5 years | $-1,597 |
| 7 years | $-95 |
| 9 years | $1,406 |
| 11 years | $2,908 |
| 13 years | $4,409 |
| 15 years | $5,911 |
| 17 years | $7,412 |
| 19 years | $8,914 |
| 21 years | $10,415 |
| 23 years | $11,917 |
| 25 years | $13,418 |
Top Solar Installers in Cherry Valley
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and know-how. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Cherry Valley:
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 Cherry Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cherry Valley
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Cherry Valley: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Cherry Valley. The type 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Cherry Valley average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Cherry Valley, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Cherry Valley homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cherry Valley is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $28,282 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $38,016 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $47,902 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $57,941 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $68,132 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,477 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $88,975 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,625 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Cherry Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cherry Valley?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cherry Valley?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.