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 true price you pay can be above or below the average in Davis depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Davis homeowner can save around $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Davis, you can click the button below.
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
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Davis:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
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 Davis: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy 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 largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Davis homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Davis 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Davis, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Davis?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Davis?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Davis. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Davis is currently $870,403, which means you can look forward to a value of about $35,687 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Davis is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.