Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gold River, CA (2024 Update)
- Gold River Solar Installation Cost: $7,491
- 25-Year Savings: $14,686
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gold River
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Gold River.
In Gold River, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Gold River is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,491 for a solar installation, or $10,712 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Gold River homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Gold River see about $25,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Gold River that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Gold River
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,497 |
| 3 years | $-4,510 |
| 5 years | $-2,522 |
| 7 years | $-535 |
| 9 years | $1,453 |
| 11 years | $3,440 |
| 13 years | $5,428 |
| 15 years | $7,415 |
| 17 years | $9,402 |
| 19 years | $11,390 |
| 21 years | $13,377 |
| 23 years | $15,365 |
| 25 years | $17,352 |
Top Solar Installers in Gold River
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Gold River
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gold River
The cost of installing a solar system in Gold River can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need 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 of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Gold River to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to factor 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 how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Gold River is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $24,880 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $33,562 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $42,438 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $51,509 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $60,774 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $70,233 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $79,887 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $89,735 | 8.2 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Gold River, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gold River?
The average cost of solar panels in Gold River is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,334.57 per year.
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 goes down 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.