Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highgrove, CA (2023 Update)

  • Highgrove Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,899
  • Payback Period: 7.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated October 25, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highgrove

We go over average solar pricing in Highgrove.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Highgrove, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt.The average Highgrove homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,351 with the federal tax credit, or $7,652 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Highgrove homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Highgrove can save around $30,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Highgrove, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Highgrove

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,619
3 years $-3,249
5 years $-880
7 years $1,490
9 years $3,859
11 years $6,229
13 years $8,598
15 years $10,968
17 years $13,337
19 years $15,707
21 years $18,076
23 years $20,446
25 years $22,815

Top Solar Installers in Highgrove

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

If you're looking for a solar installer in Highgrove, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Highgrove

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highgrove

The cost of installing a solar system in Highgrove can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Highgrove, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Highgrove, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Highgrove 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 that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 $3.61 $15,157 $32,510 7.9 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $43,735 7.8 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $55,155 7.6 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $66,769 7.5 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $78,577 7.3 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $90,580 7.2 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $102,777 7.0 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $115,168 6.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will affect 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 a few important things you should consider, such as:

  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Highgrove, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Highgrove?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Highgrove?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure 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 savings from going solar.

Is it worth going solar in Highgrove?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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