Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dos Palos, CA (2023 Update)
- Dos Palos Solar Installation Cost: $5,657
- 25-Year Savings: $20,674
- Payback Period: 5.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dos Palos
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Dos Palos.
The average cost of solar panels in Dos Palos is 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Dos Palos, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,657, or $8,090 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Dos Palos homeowner can save around $34,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dos Palos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,603 |
| 3 years | $-2,497 |
| 5 years | $-390 |
| 7 years | $1,716 |
| 9 years | $3,823 |
| 11 years | $5,929 |
| 13 years | $8,036 |
| 15 years | $10,142 |
| 17 years | $12,249 |
| 19 years | $14,355 |
| 21 years | $16,461 |
| 23 years | $18,568 |
| 25 years | $20,674 |
Top Solar Installers in Dos Palos
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you're not certain 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 company in Dos Palos, the EcoWatch team has organized 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Dos Palos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dos Palos
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Dos Palos: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems 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 with higher efficiency or power production use 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 $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Dos Palos, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $41,394 | 5.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $55,498 | 5.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $69,754 | 5.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $84,164 | 5.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $98,726 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $113,441 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $128,309 | 4.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $143,330 | 4.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type 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 ask for their list of options before deciding.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Dos Palos, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Dos Palos?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dos Palos?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will having solar panels impact my home 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 Dos Palos is currently $217,900, so you can expect a value of about $8,934 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Dos Palos is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Dos Palos?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.