Solar Panel Cost Guide in Concord, CA (2024 Update)

  • Concord Solar Installation Cost: $7,395
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,513
  • Payback Period: 7.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Concord

See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Concord.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Concord, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Concord, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,395, or $10,575 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Concord can save around $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Concord

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-5,857
3 years$-2,781
5 years$295
7 years$3,371
9 years$6,446
11 years$9,522
13 years$12,598
15 years$15,674
17 years$18,750
19 years$21,825
21 years$24,901
23 years$27,977
25 years$31,053

Top Solar Installers in Concord

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Concord

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Concord

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 Concord: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,470. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Concord, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Concord have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$36,7387.3 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$49,3737.2 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$62,2027.0 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$75,2256.9 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$88,4436.7 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$101,8556.6 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$115,4616.5 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$129,2626.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • 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 large role in the company you choose.

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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Concord, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Concord?

The average cost of solar panels in Concord 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Concord?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.

Does Concord have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.

How long do solar panels last in Concord?

Even though 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 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.