Solar Panel Cost Guide in Eureka, CA (Mar 2023)
- Eureka Solar Installation Cost: $6,192
- 25-Year Savings: $20,139
- Payback Period: 5.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Eureka
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Eureka.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Eureka generally cost about 2.73. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Eureka, most homeowners require a 3.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $6,192, or $8,855 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $31,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Eureka, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Eureka
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,138 |
| 3 years | $-3,032 |
| 5 years | $-925 |
| 7 years | $1,181 |
| 9 years | $3,288 |
| 11 years | $5,394 |
| 13 years | $7,500 |
| 15 years | $9,607 |
| 17 years | $11,713 |
| 19 years | $13,820 |
| 21 years | $15,926 |
| 23 years | $18,033 |
| 25 years | $20,139 |
Top Solar Installers in Eureka
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Eureka, the EcoWatch team has put together 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
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 Eureka
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Eureka
There are several criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Eureka. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Eureka, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Eureka, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $36,793 | 6.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $49,364 | 6.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $62,087 | 5.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $74,963 | 5.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $87,991 | 5.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $101,173 | 5.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $114,508 | 5.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $127,995 | 5.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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 Eureka, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Eureka?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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.