Solar Panel Cost Guide in Escalon, CA (Feb 2023)
- Escalon Solar Installation Cost: $5,790
- 25-Year Savings: $20,450
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Escalon
Let's take 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 generally cost around $3. Using this figure, a typical 3.0 would cost about $5,790 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Escalon homeowner can save about $33,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Escalon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Escalon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,741 |
| 3 years | $-2,641 |
| 5 years | $-542 |
| 7 years | $1,557 |
| 9 years | $3,656 |
| 11 years | $5,755 |
| 13 years | $7,855 |
| 15 years | $9,954 |
| 17 years | $12,053 |
| 19 years | $14,152 |
| 21 years | $16,251 |
| 23 years | $18,351 |
| 25 years | $20,450 |
Top Solar Installers in Escalon
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Escalon:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Escalon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Escalon
For many Escalon homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Escalon, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in Escalon. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Escalon average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Escalon to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Escalon's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Escalon, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Escalon?
The average cost of solar panels in Escalon 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Escalon?
You can't get solar panels for free in Escalon. 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'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much 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 usage and the amount of 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.