Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highgrove, CA (Mar 2023)
- Highgrove Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $16,901
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highgrove
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Highgrove.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Highgrove it's 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $5,351 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep 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. With average savings of about $30,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Highgrove find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Highgrove
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,461 |
| 3 years | $-2,681 |
| 5 years | $-900 |
| 7 years | $880 |
| 9 years | $2,660 |
| 11 years | $4,440 |
| 13 years | $6,220 |
| 15 years | $8,000 |
| 17 years | $9,780 |
| 19 years | $11,560 |
| 21 years | $13,340 |
| 23 years | $15,121 |
| 25 years | $16,901 |
Top Solar Installers in Highgrove
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Highgrove
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highgrove
There are many criteria that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Highgrove, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Highgrove homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Highgrove, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Highgrove 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 walking you through the whole process. 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $35,742 | 6.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $47,962 | 6.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $60,335 | 6.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $72,861 | 5.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $85,539 | 5.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $98,371 | 5.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $111,355 | 5.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $124,492 | 5.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Highgrove, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Highgrove?
The average cost of solar panels in Highgrove 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Highgrove?
You can't get solar panels for free in Highgrove. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.