Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cloverdale, CA (2023 Update)
- Cloverdale Solar Installation Cost: $5,897
- 25-Year Savings: $20,434
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cloverdale
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Cloverdale.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cloverdale it's 2.73 per watt. The average Cloverdale homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,905 with the federal tax credit, or $8,444 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Cloverdale homeowner. 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. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Cloverdale homeowner can save about $32,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cloverdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,810 |
| 3 years | $-5,634 |
| 5 years | $-5,459 |
| 7 years | $-5,283 |
| 9 years | $-5,107 |
| 11 years | $-4,932 |
| 13 years | $-4,756 |
| 15 years | $-4,581 |
| 17 years | $-4,405 |
| 19 years | $-4,230 |
| 21 years | $-4,054 |
| 23 years | $-3,879 |
| 25 years | $-3,703 |
Top Solar Installers in Cloverdale
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Cloverdale, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Cloverdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cloverdale
The cost of installing a solar system in Cloverdale can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Cloverdale, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Cloverdale average.
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 Cloverdale homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Cloverdale's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Cloverdale know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $39,269 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,664 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,213 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $79,914 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $93,768 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $107,775 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $121,935 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,248 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Cloverdale, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cloverdale?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cloverdale?
A solar panel system isn't free in Cloverdale, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Does Cloverdale have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.