Solar Panel Cost Guide in Escalon, CA (2023 Update)
- Escalon Solar Installation Cost: $5,783
- 25-Year Savings: $20,457
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Escalon
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Escalon.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Escalon typically cost about 2.73. The average solar panel system size in Escalon is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,790 for a solar installation, or $8,280 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Escalon can save about $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Escalon that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Escalon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,695 |
| 3 years | $-5,520 |
| 5 years | $-5,345 |
| 7 years | $-5,170 |
| 9 years | $-4,996 |
| 11 years | $-4,821 |
| 13 years | $-4,646 |
| 15 years | $-4,471 |
| 17 years | $-4,296 |
| 19 years | $-4,121 |
| 21 years | $-3,946 |
| 23 years | $-3,771 |
| 25 years | $-3,596 |
Top Solar Installers in Escalon
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Another benefit of using a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're looking for a solar company in Escalon, we've 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 Escalon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Escalon
There are several factors that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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 power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Escalon homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When estimating 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $40,104 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,777 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,604 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $81,583 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $95,715 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $110,001 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $124,439 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $139,030 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A high-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: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Escalon, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Escalon?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Escalon?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Escalon, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.