Solar Panel Cost Guide in Exeter, CA (Mar 2023)
- Exeter Solar Installation Cost: $5,657
- 25-Year Savings: $13,112
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Exeter
We go over average solar pricing in Exeter.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Exeter it's 2.73 per watt. The average Exeter homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,657 with the federal tax credit, or $8,090 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Exeter for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Exeter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,906 |
| 3 years | $-3,404 |
| 5 years | $-1,903 |
| 7 years | $-401 |
| 9 years | $1,100 |
| 11 years | $2,602 |
| 13 years | $4,103 |
| 15 years | $5,605 |
| 17 years | $7,106 |
| 19 years | $8,608 |
| 21 years | $10,109 |
| 23 years | $11,611 |
| 25 years | $13,112 |
Top Solar Installers in Exeter
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Exeter, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Exeter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Exeter
For many Exeter homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Exeter, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,730. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Exeter to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. It's a good idea to add 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Exeter is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $26,136 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $35,154 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $44,325 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $53,648 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $63,125 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $72,754 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $82,536 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $92,471 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Exeter, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives 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
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 Exeter, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Exeter?
The average cost of solar panels in Exeter is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Exeter?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Exeter is currently $245,600, so you can expect a value of about $10,070 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Exeter is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.