Solar Panel Cost Guide in Golden Hills, CA (2024 Update)
- Golden Hills Solar Installation Cost: $7,037
- 25-Year Savings: $17,014
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Golden Hills
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Golden Hills.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Golden Hills is 3 per watt.Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Golden Hills, the average price of going solar will be about $7,037 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Golden Hills depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Golden Hills can save around $30,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Golden Hills, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Golden Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,499 |
| 3 years | $-2,424 |
| 5 years | $652 |
| 7 years | $3,728 |
| 9 years | $6,804 |
| 11 years | $9,880 |
| 13 years | $12,955 |
| 15 years | $16,031 |
| 17 years | $19,107 |
| 19 years | $22,183 |
| 21 years | $25,259 |
| 23 years | $28,334 |
| 25 years | $31,410 |
Top Solar Installers in Golden Hills
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Golden Hills:
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 Golden Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Golden Hills
While the average cost of a solar system in Golden Hills is $7,037, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Golden Hills.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to include 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $31,544 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $42,447 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $53,544 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $64,836 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $76,322 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $88,003 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $99,877 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $111,947 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Golden Hills, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Golden Hills?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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.