Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fair Oaks, CA (Feb 2023)
- Fair Oaks Solar Installation Cost: $5,886
- 25-Year Savings: $14,693
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fair Oaks
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Fair Oaks.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fair Oaks typically cost around $3. The average solar panel system size in Fair Oaks is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,886 for a solar installation, or $4,356 after the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Fair Oaks homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Fair Oaks, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fair Oaks
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,063 |
| 3 years | $-3,416 |
| 5 years | $-1,770 |
| 7 years | $-124 |
| 9 years | $1,523 |
| 11 years | $3,169 |
| 13 years | $4,815 |
| 15 years | $6,462 |
| 17 years | $8,108 |
| 19 years | $9,754 |
| 21 years | $11,401 |
| 23 years | $13,047 |
| 25 years | $14,693 |
Top Solar Installers in Fair Oaks
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also have access to various kinds 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 take care of your solar installation project. 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
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 Fair Oaks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fair Oaks
For many Fair Oaks homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fair Oaks, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, 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. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Fair Oaks, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $28,112 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,789 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $47,618 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $57,601 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $67,736 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,024 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $88,465 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,059 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project 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 Fair Oaks, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fair Oaks?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fair Oaks?
You can't get solar panels for free in Fair Oaks. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Fair Oaks, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.