Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elverta, CA (2024 Update)
- Elverta Solar Installation Cost: $7,491
- 25-Year Savings: $17,562
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elverta
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Elverta.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Elverta typically cost around 3.The average solar panel system size in Elverta is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,491 for a solar installation, or $10,712 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Elverta homeowner can save about $29,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Elverta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,225 |
| 3 years | $-3,694 |
| 5 years | $-1,162 |
| 7 years | $1,370 |
| 9 years | $3,901 |
| 11 years | $6,433 |
| 13 years | $8,965 |
| 15 years | $11,496 |
| 17 years | $14,028 |
| 19 years | $16,560 |
| 21 years | $19,091 |
| 23 years | $21,623 |
| 25 years | $24,154 |
Top Solar Installers in Elverta
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and expertise. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Elverta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elverta
There are a number of factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Elverta, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Elverta, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Most solar installers in Elverta have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Elverta homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Elverta’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Elverta know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $30,475 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $41,022 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $51,764 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $62,699 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $73,829 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $85,154 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $96,672 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $108,385 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Elverta, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elverta?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Elverta?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Elverta. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Elverta?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.