Solar Panel Cost Guide in Citrus, CA (2024 Update)
- Citrus Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $13,568
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Citrus
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Citrus.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Citrus is 3 per watt.The average Citrus homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,920 with the federal tax credit, or $9,896 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Citrus depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Citrus homeowners see about $25,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Citrus for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Citrus
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,736 |
| 3 years | $-3,366 |
| 5 years | $-997 |
| 7 years | $1,373 |
| 9 years | $3,742 |
| 11 years | $6,112 |
| 13 years | $8,481 |
| 15 years | $10,851 |
| 17 years | $13,220 |
| 19 years | $15,590 |
| 21 years | $17,959 |
| 23 years | $20,329 |
| 25 years | $22,698 |
Top Solar Installers in Citrus
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another benefit of working with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Citrus
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Citrus
For many Citrus homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Citrus, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Citrus average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Citrus, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $24,882 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $33,564 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $42,441 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $51,512 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $60,778 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $70,238 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $79,892 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $89,740 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Citrus, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Citrus, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Citrus?
The average cost of solar panels in Citrus is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Citrus?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,334.62 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Citrus?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.