Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gustine, CA (2023 Update)
- Gustine Solar Installation Cost: $5,657
- 25-Year Savings: $20,674
- Payback Period: 5.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gustine
We break down average solar pricing in Gustine.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Gustine generally cost around 2.73. The average Gustine homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,657 with the federal tax credit, or $8,090 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. With typical savings of about $34,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Gustine find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Gustine that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Gustine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,603 |
| 3 years | $-2,497 |
| 5 years | $-390 |
| 7 years | $1,716 |
| 9 years | $3,823 |
| 11 years | $5,929 |
| 13 years | $8,036 |
| 15 years | $10,142 |
| 17 years | $12,249 |
| 19 years | $14,355 |
| 21 years | $16,461 |
| 23 years | $18,568 |
| 25 years | $20,674 |
Top Solar Installers in Gustine
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar company 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
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 Gustine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gustine
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Gustine: 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
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,730. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Gustine have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Gustine, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Gustine have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of 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 | $41,394 | 5.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $55,498 | 5.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $69,754 | 5.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $84,164 | 5.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $98,726 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $113,441 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $128,309 | 4.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $143,330 | 4.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- 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.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
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 Gustine, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gustine?
The average cost of solar panels in Gustine is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Gustine?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need 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 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.