Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grass Valley, CA (Mar 2023)
- Grass Valley Solar Installation Cost: $5,886
- 25-Year Savings: $19,566
- Payback Period: 5.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grass Valley
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Grass Valley.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Grass Valley it's 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Grass Valley, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,886, or $8,417 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Grass Valley based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Grass Valley homeowner can save about $31,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Grass Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,868 |
| 3 years | $-2,832 |
| 5 years | $-796 |
| 7 years | $1,241 |
| 9 years | $3,277 |
| 11 years | $5,313 |
| 13 years | $7,349 |
| 15 years | $9,385 |
| 17 years | $11,421 |
| 19 years | $13,457 |
| 21 years | $15,494 |
| 23 years | $17,530 |
| 25 years | $19,566 |
Top Solar Installers in Grass Valley
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation 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 with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar company in Grass Valley, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Grass Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grass Valley
For many Grass Valley homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Grass Valley, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Grass Valley. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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 looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Grass Valley to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence how much it costs. Grass Valley's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $37,610 | 6.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $50,453 | 5.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $63,448 | 5.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $76,597 | 5.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $89,898 | 5.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $103,352 | 5.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $116,959 | 5.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $130,719 | 5.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Grass Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Grass Valley?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider 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 will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.