Solar Panel Cost Guide in El Rio, CA (2023 Update)
- El Rio Solar Installation Cost: $6,958
- 25-Year Savings: $13,295
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated October 25, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in El Rio
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in El Rio.
In El Rio, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in El Rio, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,465, or $7,815 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average El Rio homeowner can save around $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in El Rio for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in El Rio
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,773 |
| 3 years | $-3,403 |
| 5 years | $-1,034 |
| 7 years | $1,336 |
| 9 years | $3,705 |
| 11 years | $6,075 |
| 13 years | $8,444 |
| 15 years | $10,814 |
| 17 years | $13,183 |
| 19 years | $15,553 |
| 21 years | $17,922 |
| 23 years | $20,292 |
| 25 years | $22,661 |
Top Solar Installers in El Rio
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
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
See all of the solar companies in El Rio
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in El Rio
The cost of installing a solar system in El Rio can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like El Rio, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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 many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many El Rio homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. El Rio's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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 | $24,158 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,600 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $41,236 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $50,066 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $59,090 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $68,309 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $77,722 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $87,329 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's El Rio, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in El Rio?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in El Rio?
Solar panels aren't free in El Rio, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in El Rio?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 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.