Solar Panel Cost Guide in Galt, CA (2023 Update)
- Galt Solar Installation Cost: $5,886
- 25-Year Savings: $18,694
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Galt
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Galt.
In Galt, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Galt, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,886, or $8,417 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $30,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Galt, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Galt
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,903 |
| 3 years | $-2,936 |
| 5 years | $-970 |
| 7 years | $997 |
| 9 years | $2,963 |
| 11 years | $4,929 |
| 13 years | $6,896 |
| 15 years | $8,862 |
| 17 years | $10,829 |
| 19 years | $12,795 |
| 21 years | $14,761 |
| 23 years | $16,728 |
| 25 years | $18,694 |
Top Solar Installers in Galt
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Galt
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Galt
The cost of installing a solar system in Galt can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 around $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Galt, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Galt homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Galt, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $35,896 | 6.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $48,167 | 6.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $60,591 | 6.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $73,168 | 5.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $85,897 | 5.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $98,780 | 5.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $111,815 | 5.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $125,004 | 5.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Galt, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Galt?
The average cost of solar panels in Galt is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Galt?
You can't get solar panels for free in Galt. 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'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Galt is currently $385,483, which means you can look forward to a value of about $15,805 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Galt 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 needs 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.