Solar Panel Cost Guide in Diamond Springs, CA (2024 Update)
- Diamond Springs Solar Installation Cost: $7,493
- 25-Year Savings: $19,797
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Diamond Springs
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Diamond Springs.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Diamond Springs is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,493 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Diamond Springs homeowner can save around $32,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Diamond Springs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,955 |
| 3 years | $-2,879 |
| 5 years | $197 |
| 7 years | $3,272 |
| 9 years | $6,348 |
| 11 years | $9,424 |
| 13 years | $12,500 |
| 15 years | $15,576 |
| 17 years | $18,651 |
| 19 years | $21,727 |
| 21 years | $24,803 |
| 23 years | $27,879 |
| 25 years | $30,955 |
Top Solar Installers in Diamond Springs
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Diamond Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Diamond Springs
Although the average cost of a solar system in Diamond Springs is $7,493, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Diamond Springs, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Diamond Springs homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Diamond Springs, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $34,814 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $46,808 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $58,995 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $71,377 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $83,954 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $96,725 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $109,690 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $122,849 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Diamond Springs, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Diamond Springs, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Diamond Springs?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,665.71 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.