Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hidden Meadows, CA (2023 Update)
- Hidden Meadows Solar Installation Cost: $5,370
- 25-Year Savings: $17,670
- Payback Period: 5.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hidden Meadows
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Hidden Meadows.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hidden Meadows, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Hidden Meadows, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,370, or $7,679 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Hidden Meadows 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. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $31,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hidden Meadows
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,448 |
| 3 years | $-2,605 |
| 5 years | $-762 |
| 7 years | $1,081 |
| 9 years | $2,924 |
| 11 years | $4,768 |
| 13 years | $6,611 |
| 15 years | $8,454 |
| 17 years | $10,297 |
| 19 years | $12,140 |
| 21 years | $13,984 |
| 23 years | $15,827 |
| 25 years | $17,670 |
Top Solar Installers in Hidden Meadows
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Hidden Meadows
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hidden Meadows
The cost of installing a solar system in Hidden Meadows can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Hidden Meadows. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hidden Meadows to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Hidden Meadows is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Hidden Meadows have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $37,188 | 6.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $49,889 | 6.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $62,744 | 5.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $75,751 | 5.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $88,911 | 5.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $102,224 | 5.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $115,690 | 5.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $129,309 | 5.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your 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:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected 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 verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 Hidden Meadows, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hidden Meadows?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Hidden Meadows?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't 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 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Hidden Meadows, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 buy 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.