Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cottonwood, CA (2024 Update)
- Cottonwood Solar Installation Cost: $7,744
- 25-Year Savings: $20,239
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cottonwood
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Cottonwood.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cottonwood, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Cottonwood, most homeowners require a 3.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,744, or $11,074 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $31,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cottonwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,206 |
| 3 years | $-3,130 |
| 5 years | $-54 |
| 7 years | $3,022 |
| 9 years | $6,097 |
| 11 years | $9,173 |
| 13 years | $12,249 |
| 15 years | $15,325 |
| 17 years | $18,401 |
| 19 years | $21,476 |
| 21 years | $24,552 |
| 23 years | $27,628 |
| 25 years | $30,704 |
Top Solar Installers in Cottonwood
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions 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
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Cottonwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cottonwood
For many Cottonwood homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cottonwood, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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 a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Cottonwood average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Cottonwood homeowners, they can also raise 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
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cottonwood is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $34,399 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $46,254 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $58,303 | 7.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $70,546 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $82,984 | 7.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $95,616 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $108,443 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $121,464 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Cottonwood, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Cottonwood, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cottonwood?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,651.86 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.