Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gustine, CA (2024 Update)
- Gustine Solar Installation Cost: $7,197
- 25-Year Savings: $20,669
- Payback Period: 6.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gustine
We go over average solar pricing in Gustine.
In Gustine, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Gustine, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,197, or $10,292 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Gustine homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $34,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gustine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,659 |
| 3 years | $-2,584 |
| 5 years | $492 |
| 7 years | $3,568 |
| 9 years | $6,644 |
| 11 years | $9,720 |
| 13 years | $12,795 |
| 15 years | $15,871 |
| 17 years | $18,947 |
| 19 years | $22,023 |
| 21 years | $25,099 |
| 23 years | $28,174 |
| 25 years | $31,250 |
Top Solar Installers in Gustine
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another perk of going with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Gustine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gustine
For many Gustine homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Gustine, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,470. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Gustine, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and 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 extra 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $38,162 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $51,271 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $64,574 | 6.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $78,072 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $91,764 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $105,650 | 6.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $119,731 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $134,006 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 your solar system’s energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get details 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 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 Gustine, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gustine?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Gustine?
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 don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Gustine, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Gustine?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.