Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gonzales, CA (2023 Update)
- Gonzales Solar Installation Cost: $5,542
- 25-Year Savings: $20,789
- Payback Period: 5.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gonzales
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Gonzales.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gonzales generally cost about 2.73. Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $5,542 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Gonzales homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Gonzales homeowners see about $34,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Gonzales
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,489 |
| 3 years | $-2,382 |
| 5 years | $-276 |
| 7 years | $1,831 |
| 9 years | $3,937 |
| 11 years | $6,044 |
| 13 years | $8,150 |
| 15 years | $10,257 |
| 17 years | $12,363 |
| 19 years | $14,470 |
| 21 years | $16,576 |
| 23 years | $18,683 |
| 25 years | $20,789 |
Top Solar Installers in Gonzales
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Gonzales
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gonzales
For many Gonzales homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Gonzales, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Gonzales, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Gonzales average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Gonzales, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Gonzales homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Gonzales' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Gonzales know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $42,509 | 5.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $56,984 | 5.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $71,612 | 5.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $86,394 | 5.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $101,328 | 5.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $116,414 | 5.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $131,654 | 4.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $147,047 | 4.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 Gonzales, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gonzales?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient 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 cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Gonzales?
You can't get solar panels for free in Gonzales. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $1,814.45 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Gonzales?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.