Solar Panel Cost Guide in Garnet, CA (2023 Update)
- Garnet Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $13,470
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Garnet
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Garnet.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Garnet, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. The average Garnet homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,351 with the federal tax credit, or $7,652 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Garnet homeowners see about $26,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Garnet for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Garnet
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,598 |
| 3 years | $-3,092 |
| 5 years | $-1,587 |
| 7 years | $-81 |
| 9 years | $1,425 |
| 11 years | $2,930 |
| 13 years | $4,436 |
| 15 years | $5,942 |
| 17 years | $7,447 |
| 19 years | $8,953 |
| 21 years | $10,458 |
| 23 years | $11,964 |
| 25 years | $13,470 |
Top Solar Installers in Garnet
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Garnet:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Garnet
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Garnet
There are a number of factors that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems 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 $2,730. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Garnet average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Garnet to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Garnet, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within 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 | $28,392 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $38,162 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $48,085 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $58,161 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $68,389 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,770 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $89,305 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,992 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Garnet, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Garnet, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Garnet?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Garnet?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Does Garnet have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.