Solar Panel Cost Guide in Citrus Heights, CA (2024 Update)

  • Citrus Heights Solar Installation Cost: $7,491
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,945
  • Payback Period: 8.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Citrus Heights

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Citrus Heights.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Citrus Heights generally cost around 3.Because a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Citrus Heights, the average price of going solar will be about $7,491 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Citrus Heights homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Citrus Heights can save around $28,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company 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 $-6,311
3 years $-3,950
5 years $-1,589
7 years $772
9 years $3,133
11 years $5,493
13 years $7,854
15 years $10,215
17 years $12,576
19 years $14,937
21 years $17,298
23 years $19,658
25 years $22,019

Top Solar Installers in Citrus Heights

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Citrus Heights:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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 solar panels depends 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 a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with 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.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Citrus Heights, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Citrus Heights homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Citrus Heights homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact how much you pay. Citrus Heights’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation 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 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 companies.

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 $29,275 8.5 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $39,422 8.4 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $49,763 8.2 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $60,299 8.0 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $71,028 7.9 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $81,953 7.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $93,071 7.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $104,384 7.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies available in Citrus Heights, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • 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 most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Citrus Heights, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Citrus Heights?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Citrus Heights?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Citrus Heights. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is going solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.

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