Solar Panel Cost Guide in Davis, CA (2024 Update)
- Davis Solar Installation Cost: $7,476
- 25-Year Savings: $20,449
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Davis
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Davis.
In Davis, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Davis homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,476 with the federal tax credit, or $10,691 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Davis see about $33,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Davis that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Davis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,938 |
| 3 years | $-2,863 |
| 5 years | $213 |
| 7 years | $3,289 |
| 9 years | $6,365 |
| 11 years | $9,441 |
| 13 years | $12,516 |
| 15 years | $15,592 |
| 17 years | $18,668 |
| 19 years | $21,744 |
| 21 years | $24,820 |
| 23 years | $27,895 |
| 25 years | $30,971 |
Top Solar Installers in Davis
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Davis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Davis
Although the average cost of a solar system in Davis is $7,476, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular 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 overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Davis are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $36,171 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,616 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,256 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,091 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,119 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,342 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,759 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,371 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Davis, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Davis?
The average cost of solar panels in Davis is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Davis?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Davis, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.