Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gold River, CA (2023 Update)
- Gold River Solar Installation Cost: $5,894
- 25-Year Savings: $14,686
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gold River
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Gold River.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Gold River is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $5,886 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $25,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Gold River find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer 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 | $-5,825 |
| 3 years | $-5,688 |
| 5 years | $-5,551 |
| 7 years | $-5,413 |
| 9 years | $-5,276 |
| 11 years | $-5,139 |
| 13 years | $-5,002 |
| 15 years | $-4,865 |
| 17 years | $-4,727 |
| 19 years | $-4,590 |
| 21 years | $-4,453 |
| 23 years | $-4,316 |
| 25 years | $-4,179 |
Top Solar Installers in Gold River
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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
See all of the solar companies in Gold River
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gold River
While the average cost of a solar system in Gold River is $5,886, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Gold River average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Gold River, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced 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 fits 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 | $28,112 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,789 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $47,618 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $57,601 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $67,736 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,024 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $88,465 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,059 | 6.4 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Gold River, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gold River?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Gold River?
A solar panel system isn't free in Gold River, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. 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 long do solar panels last in Gold River?
On average, solar panels can last 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 amount 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.