Solar Panel Cost Guide in Citrus Heights, CA (Mar 2023)
- Citrus Heights Solar Installation Cost: $5,886
- 25-Year Savings: $16,952
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Citrus Heights
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Citrus Heights.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Citrus Heights, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. Because a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Citrus Heights, the average price of going solar will be about $5,886 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Citrus Heights based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $28,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Citrus Heights find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Citrus Heights that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Citrus Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,972 |
| 3 years | $-3,145 |
| 5 years | $-1,318 |
| 7 years | $509 |
| 9 years | $2,336 |
| 11 years | $4,163 |
| 13 years | $5,990 |
| 15 years | $7,817 |
| 17 years | $9,644 |
| 19 years | $11,471 |
| 21 years | $13,298 |
| 23 years | $15,125 |
| 25 years | $16,952 |
Top Solar Installers in Citrus Heights
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 an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are various 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 Citrus Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Citrus Heights
For many Citrus Heights homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Citrus Heights, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Citrus Heights, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Citrus Heights, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $32,507 | 6.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $43,649 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $54,943 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $66,390 | 6.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $77,990 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $89,743 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $101,649 | 5.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $113,708 | 5.8 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. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Heights, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Citrus Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Citrus Heights 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Citrus Heights?
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.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably 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 Citrus Heights?
Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.