Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highland, CA (2023 Update)
- Highland Solar Installation Cost: $5,486
- 25-Year Savings: $13,825
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highland
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Highland.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Highland is 2.73 per watt. Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Highland, the average price of going solar will be about $5,485 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Highland homeowners. The cost 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. Even with the high initial cost, the average Highland homeowner can save about $26,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Highland for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Highland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,301 |
| 3 years | $-1,932 |
| 5 years | $438 |
| 7 years | $2,807 |
| 9 years | $5,177 |
| 11 years | $7,546 |
| 13 years | $9,916 |
| 15 years | $12,285 |
| 17 years | $14,655 |
| 19 years | $17,024 |
| 21 years | $19,394 |
| 23 years | $21,763 |
| 25 years | $24,133 |
Top Solar Installers in Highland
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Highland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highland
While the average cost of a solar system in Highland is $5,485, 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 solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Highland, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal 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 last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Highland, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have 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 down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $28,435 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $38,219 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $48,156 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $58,246 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $68,489 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,885 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $89,433 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $100,135 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Highland, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Highland?
The average cost of solar panels in Highland 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 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.