Solar Panel Cost Guide in Folsom, CA (2024 Update)
- Folsom Solar Installation Cost: $7,491
- 25-Year Savings: $18,520
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Folsom
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Folsom.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Folsom it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,491 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $30,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Folsom find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Folsom that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Folsom
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,171 |
| 3 years | $-3,530 |
| 5 years | $-890 |
| 7 years | $1,751 |
| 9 years | $4,391 |
| 11 years | $7,032 |
| 13 years | $9,672 |
| 15 years | $12,312 |
| 17 years | $14,953 |
| 19 years | $17,593 |
| 21 years | $20,234 |
| 23 years | $22,874 |
| 25 years | $25,515 |
Top Solar Installers in Folsom
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and expertise. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another good thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Folsom
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Folsom
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Folsom: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Folsom, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Folsom is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $32,340 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $43,509 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $54,872 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $66,429 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $78,181 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $90,127 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $102,267 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $114,602 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Folsom, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Folsom?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
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 viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Folsom?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Folsom?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.