Solar Panel Cost Guide in Grass Valley, CA (2023 Update)
- Grass Valley Solar Installation Cost: $5,891
- 25-Year Savings: $19,560
- Payback Period: 5.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Grass Valley
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Grass Valley.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Grass Valley generally cost about 2.73. The average solar panel system size in Grass Valley is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,886 for a solar installation, or $8,417 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Grass Valley depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Grass Valley homeowners see about $31,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Grass Valley for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Grass Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,353 |
| 3 years | $-1,278 |
| 5 years | $1,798 |
| 7 years | $4,874 |
| 9 years | $7,950 |
| 11 years | $11,026 |
| 13 years | $14,101 |
| 15 years | $17,177 |
| 17 years | $20,253 |
| 19 years | $23,329 |
| 21 years | $26,405 |
| 23 years | $29,480 |
| 25 years | $32,556 |
Top Solar Installers in Grass Valley
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. 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 Grass Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Grass Valley
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Grass Valley: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Grass Valley, one of the most important 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Grass Valley homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Grass Valley homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Grass Valley is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Some companies 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 decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $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 choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 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 exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want other 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 less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Grass Valley?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably 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% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.