Solar Panel Cost Guide in Folsom, CA (2023 Update)
- Folsom Solar Installation Cost: $5,886
- 25-Year Savings: $18,528
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Folsom
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Folsom.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Folsom it's 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Folsom, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,886, or $8,417 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Folsom homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $30,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Folsom
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,909 |
| 3 years | $-2,956 |
| 5 years | $-1,003 |
| 7 years | $950 |
| 9 years | $2,903 |
| 11 years | $4,856 |
| 13 years | $6,809 |
| 15 years | $8,762 |
| 17 years | $10,715 |
| 19 years | $12,669 |
| 21 years | $14,622 |
| 23 years | $16,575 |
| 25 years | $18,528 |
Top Solar Installers in Folsom
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
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
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 Folsom
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Folsom
Although the average cost of a solar system in Folsom is $5,886, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,730. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Folsom, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $35,573 | 6.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $47,736 | 6.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $60,052 | 6.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $72,521 | 5.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $85,143 | 5.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $97,918 | 5.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $110,845 | 5.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $123,926 | 5.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total 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 keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Folsom, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Folsom?
The average cost of solar panels in Folsom 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Folsom?
Solar panels aren't free in Folsom, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.