Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cloverdale, CA (2024 Update)
- Cloverdale Solar Installation Cost: $7,496
- 25-Year Savings: $20,434
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cloverdale
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Cloverdale.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Cloverdale is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Cloverdale, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,496, or $10,719 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Cloverdale homeowner can save about $32,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Cloverdale, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cloverdale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,958 |
| 3 years | $-2,882 |
| 5 years | $194 |
| 7 years | $3,269 |
| 9 years | $6,345 |
| 11 years | $9,421 |
| 13 years | $12,497 |
| 15 years | $15,573 |
| 17 years | $18,648 |
| 19 years | $21,724 |
| 21 years | $24,800 |
| 23 years | $27,876 |
| 25 years | $30,952 |
Top Solar Installers in Cloverdale
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Cloverdale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cloverdale
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Cloverdale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Cloverdale, 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 determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond 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 looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Cloverdale homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Cloverdale, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $36,037 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,438 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,033 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $73,822 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $86,806 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $99,984 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,357 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $126,924 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Cloverdale, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Cloverdale, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cloverdale?
The average cost of solar panels in Cloverdale 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cloverdale?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Cloverdale, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Cloverdale?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.