Solar Panel Cost Guide in Eureka, CA (2023 Update)
- Eureka Solar Installation Cost: $6,197
- 25-Year Savings: $20,134
- Payback Period: 5.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Eureka
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Eureka.
The average cost of solar panels in Eureka is 2.73 per watt. The average Eureka homeowner needs a 3.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,192 with the federal tax credit, or $8,855 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $31,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Eureka, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Eureka
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,659 |
| 3 years | $-1,583 |
| 5 years | $1,492 |
| 7 years | $4,568 |
| 9 years | $7,644 |
| 11 years | $10,720 |
| 13 years | $13,796 |
| 15 years | $16,871 |
| 17 years | $19,947 |
| 19 years | $23,023 |
| 21 years | $26,099 |
| 23 years | $29,175 |
| 25 years | $32,250 |
Top Solar Installers in Eureka
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Eureka
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Eureka
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Eureka: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use 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. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Eureka homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Eureka's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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
There are numerous companies available in Eureka, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Though 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 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.