Solar Panel Cost Guide in Empire, CA (2023 Update)
- Empire Solar Installation Cost: $5,710
- 25-Year Savings: $20,485
- Payback Period: 5.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Empire
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Empire.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Empire it's 2.73 per watt. The average Empire homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,714 with the federal tax credit, or $8,171 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. With average savings of about $33,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Empire find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Empire that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Empire
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,356 |
| 3 years | $-1,647 |
| 5 years | $1,061 |
| 7 years | $3,769 |
| 9 years | $6,477 |
| 11 years | $9,186 |
| 13 years | $11,894 |
| 15 years | $14,602 |
| 17 years | $17,311 |
| 19 years | $20,019 |
| 21 years | $22,727 |
| 23 years | $25,436 |
| 25 years | $28,144 |
Top Solar Installers in Empire
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar company in Empire, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Empire
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Empire
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Empire: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Empire, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Empire to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to 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 pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Empire's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $40,676 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,540 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $68,557 | 5.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $82,728 | 5.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $97,051 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $111,526 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $126,155 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $140,937 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates 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 Empire, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Empire?
The average cost of solar panels in Empire is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Empire?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Empire, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.