Solar Panel Cost Guide in El Dorado Hills, CA (2023 Update)
- El Dorado Hills Solar Installation Cost: $5,886
- 25-Year Savings: $19,007
- Payback Period: 5.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in El Dorado Hills
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in El Dorado Hills.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in El Dorado Hills, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in El Dorado Hills, the average price of going solar will be about $5,886 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $31,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in El Dorado Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,890 |
| 3 years | $-2,899 |
| 5 years | $-907 |
| 7 years | $1,084 |
| 9 years | $3,076 |
| 11 years | $5,067 |
| 13 years | $7,058 |
| 15 years | $9,050 |
| 17 years | $11,041 |
| 19 years | $13,033 |
| 21 years | $15,024 |
| 23 years | $17,016 |
| 25 years | $19,007 |
Top Solar Installers in El Dorado Hills
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 El Dorado Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in El Dorado Hills
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in El Dorado Hills: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in El Dorado Hills. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in El Dorado Hills, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for El Dorado Hills homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in El Dorado Hills, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $36,493 | 6.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $48,963 | 6.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $61,586 | 5.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $74,361 | 5.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $87,290 | 5.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $100,372 | 5.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $113,606 | 5.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $126,993 | 5.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 El Dorado Hills, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in El Dorado Hills?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in El Dorado Hills?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.