Solar Panel Cost Guide in Davis, CA (2023 Update)
- Davis Solar Installation Cost: $5,882
- 25-Year Savings: $20,449
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Davis
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Davis.
In Davis, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Davis is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,886 for a solar installation, or $8,417 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Davis based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Davis see about $33,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Davis, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Davis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,794 |
| 3 years | $-5,619 |
| 5 years | $-5,443 |
| 7 years | $-5,268 |
| 9 years | $-5,092 |
| 11 years | $-4,917 |
| 13 years | $-4,741 |
| 15 years | $-4,565 |
| 17 years | $-4,390 |
| 19 years | $-4,214 |
| 21 years | $-4,039 |
| 23 years | $-3,863 |
| 25 years | $-3,688 |
Top Solar Installers in Davis
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Davis, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Davis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Davis
For many Davis homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Davis, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Davis, one of the most important 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Davis, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Davis to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. It's a good idea to add 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Davis' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Davis know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $39,403 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,843 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,436 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,182 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $94,081 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,133 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $122,337 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,695 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Davis, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Davis?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 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 usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Davis?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Davis?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.