Solar Panel Cost Guide in Emeryville, CA (2023 Update)
- Emeryville Solar Installation Cost: $5,754
- 25-Year Savings: $20,577
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Emeryville
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Emeryville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Emeryville it's 2.73 per watt. Because a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Emeryville, the average price of going solar will be about $5,752 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Emeryville can save about $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Emeryville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Emeryville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,666 |
| 3 years | $-5,491 |
| 5 years | $-5,315 |
| 7 years | $-5,140 |
| 9 years | $-4,964 |
| 11 years | $-4,788 |
| 13 years | $-4,613 |
| 15 years | $-4,437 |
| 17 years | $-4,262 |
| 19 years | $-4,086 |
| 21 years | $-3,911 |
| 23 years | $-3,735 |
| 25 years | $-3,560 |
Top Solar Installers in Emeryville
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Emeryville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Emeryville
For many Emeryville homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Emeryville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Emeryville. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Emeryville homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Emeryville have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $40,546 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,367 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $68,341 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $82,468 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $96,747 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $111,180 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $125,765 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $140,504 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Emeryville, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Emeryville?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Emeryville?
You can't get solar panels for free in Emeryville. However, you may still be able to install 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.
How will having solar panels impact my property 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 Emeryville is currently $602,200, which means you can expect a value of about $24,690 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Emeryville is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Emeryville?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.