Solar Panel Cost Guide in Exeter, CA (2023 Update)
- Exeter Solar Installation Cost: $5,654
- 25-Year Savings: $13,115
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Exeter
We go over average solar pricing in Exeter.
The average cost of solar panels in Exeter is 2.73 per watt. Because a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Exeter, the average price of going solar will be about $5,657 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Exeter homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Exeter homeowner can save around $24,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Exeter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,592 |
| 3 years | $-5,467 |
| 5 years | $-5,341 |
| 7 years | $-5,216 |
| 9 years | $-5,091 |
| 11 years | $-4,966 |
| 13 years | $-4,841 |
| 15 years | $-4,716 |
| 17 years | $-4,591 |
| 19 years | $-4,466 |
| 21 years | $-4,340 |
| 23 years | $-4,215 |
| 25 years | $-4,090 |
Top Solar Installers in Exeter
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Exeter, the EcoWatch team has 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 Exeter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Exeter
While the average cost of a solar system in Exeter is $5,657, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 about $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Exeter, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Exeter homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
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 get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $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
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels 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, which means you can expect a value of about $10,070 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Exeter is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.