Solar Panel Cost Guide in Citrus, CA (Mar 2023)
- Citrus Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $13,566
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Citrus
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Citrus.
The average cost of solar panels in Citrus is 2.73 per watt. Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Citrus, the average price of going solar will be about $5,446 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Citrus homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Citrus
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,686 |
| 3 years | $-3,165 |
| 5 years | $-1,644 |
| 7 years | $-123 |
| 9 years | $1,398 |
| 11 years | $2,919 |
| 13 years | $4,440 |
| 15 years | $5,961 |
| 17 years | $7,482 |
| 19 years | $9,003 |
| 21 years | $10,524 |
| 23 years | $12,045 |
| 25 years | $13,566 |
Top Solar Installers in Citrus
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Citrus
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Citrus
The cost of installing a solar system in Citrus can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,730. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Citrus, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can play a part in determining your pricing. Citrus' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 | $28,114 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,791 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $47,621 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $57,604 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $67,740 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,028 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $88,470 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,064 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Citrus, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Citrus?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Citrus have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.