Solar Panel Cost Guide in El Sobrante, CA (2023 Update)
- El Sobrante Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $15,631
- Payback Period: 6.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in El Sobrante
Here's how much it might cost to install solar panels in El Sobrante.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in El Sobrante, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. The average El Sobrante homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,351 with the federal tax credit, or $7,652 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in El Sobrante based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $28,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in El Sobrante for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in El Sobrante
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,512 |
| 3 years | $-2,833 |
| 5 years | $-1,154 |
| 7 years | $524 |
| 9 years | $2,203 |
| 11 years | $3,881 |
| 13 years | $5,560 |
| 15 years | $7,238 |
| 17 years | $8,917 |
| 19 years | $10,595 |
| 21 years | $12,274 |
| 23 years | $13,952 |
| 25 years | $15,631 |
Top Solar Installers in El Sobrante
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Sobrante
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in El Sobrante
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in El Sobrante: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require 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 — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like El Sobrante, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in El Sobrante to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence the cost. El Sobrante's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $33,022 | 6.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $44,336 | 6.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $55,802 | 6.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $67,421 | 6.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $79,192 | 6.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $91,117 | 6.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $103,195 | 5.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $115,425 | 5.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in El Sobrante, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Sobrante, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in El Sobrante?
The average cost of solar panels in El Sobrante is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in El Sobrante is currently $369,700, which means you can expect a value of about $15,158 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in El Sobrante is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.