Solar Panel Cost Guide in Empire, CA (2024 Update)
- Empire Solar Installation Cost: $7,258
- 25-Year Savings: $20,485
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Empire
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Empire.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Empire, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Empire, the average price of going solar will be about $7,258 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.With average savings of about $33,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Empire find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Empire
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,904 |
| 3 years | $-3,195 |
| 5 years | $-487 |
| 7 years | $2,221 |
| 9 years | $4,930 |
| 11 years | $7,638 |
| 13 years | $10,346 |
| 15 years | $13,055 |
| 17 years | $15,763 |
| 19 years | $18,471 |
| 21 years | $21,180 |
| 23 years | $23,888 |
| 25 years | $26,596 |
Top Solar Installers in Empire
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Empire
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Empire
The cost of installing a solar system in Empire can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Empire, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly 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.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Empire average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Empire, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Empire 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 put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Empire is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $37,443 | 7.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $50,313 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $63,377 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $76,636 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $90,089 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $103,736 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $117,577 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $131,613 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Empire, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Empire?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Empire?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Empire, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.