Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hayfork, CA (2024 Update)
- Hayfork Solar Installation Cost: $7,756
- 25-Year Savings: $20,174
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hayfork
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Hayfork.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hayfork, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Hayfork homeowner needs a 3.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,756 with the federal tax credit, or $11,091 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Hayfork homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Hayfork homeowner can save about $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
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 Hayfork
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,344 |
| 3 years | $-3,519 |
| 5 years | $-694 |
| 7 years | $2,131 |
| 9 years | $4,956 |
| 11 years | $7,781 |
| 13 years | $10,606 |
| 15 years | $13,431 |
| 17 years | $16,256 |
| 19 years | $19,081 |
| 21 years | $21,906 |
| 23 years | $24,731 |
| 25 years | $27,556 |
Top Solar Installers in Hayfork
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Hayfork
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hayfork
Although the average cost of a solar system in Hayfork is $7,756, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Hayfork, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Hayfork have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Hayfork, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $34,215 | 7.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $46,009 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $57,997 | 7.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $70,179 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $82,555 | 7.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $95,126 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $107,892 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $120,851 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Hayfork, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hayfork?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Hayfork?
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 energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.