Solar Panel Cost Guide in Granite Bay, CA (2023 Update)
- Granite Bay Solar Installation Cost: $5,912
- 25-Year Savings: $18,861
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Granite Bay
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Granite Bay.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Granite Bay generally cost about 2.73. Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $5,905 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Granite Bay based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the large initial cost, the average Granite Bay homeowner can save about $30,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Granite Bay
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,829 |
| 3 years | $-5,664 |
| 5 years | $-5,499 |
| 7 years | $-5,334 |
| 9 years | $-5,168 |
| 11 years | $-5,003 |
| 13 years | $-4,838 |
| 15 years | $-4,673 |
| 17 years | $-4,508 |
| 19 years | $-4,343 |
| 21 years | $-4,177 |
| 23 years | $-4,012 |
| 25 years | $-3,847 |
Top Solar Installers in Granite Bay
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar company 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
See all of the solar companies in Granite Bay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Granite Bay
The cost of installing a solar system in Granite Bay can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Granite Bay. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Granite Bay, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Granite Bay homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 opt for to install your solar system can affect how much you pay. Granite Bay's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a company that offers 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 | $36,123 | 6.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $48,470 | 6.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $60,970 | 6.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $73,623 | 5.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $86,428 | 5.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $99,387 | 5.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $112,498 | 5.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $125,762 | 5.4 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 selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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 considerable role in the company you choose.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Granite Bay, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Granite Bay?
The average cost of solar panels in Granite Bay is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Granite Bay?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Granite Bay?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.