Solar Panel Cost Guide in Colusa, CA (2024 Update)
- Colusa Solar Installation Cost: $7,483
- 25-Year Savings: $20,444
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Colusa
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Colusa.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Colusa it’s 3 per watt.Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Colusa, the average price of going solar will be about $7,483 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 Colusa homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $32,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Colusa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,945 |
| 3 years | $-2,870 |
| 5 years | $206 |
| 7 years | $3,282 |
| 9 years | $6,358 |
| 11 years | $9,434 |
| 13 years | $12,509 |
| 15 years | $15,585 |
| 17 years | $18,661 |
| 19 years | $21,737 |
| 21 years | $24,813 |
| 23 years | $27,888 |
| 25 years | $30,964 |
Top Solar Installers in Colusa
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another benefit of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Colusa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Colusa
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Colusa: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Colusa, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Colusa, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Colusa, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 has 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $36,123 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,553 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,177 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $73,995 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,008 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,215 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,616 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,211 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Colusa, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Colusa?
The average cost of solar panels in Colusa 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Colusa?
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 can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Colusa?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.