Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highland, CA (2023 Update)
- Highland Solar Installation Cost: $5,485
- 25-Year Savings: $13,826
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Highland
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Highland.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Highland generally cost around 2.73. Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs 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%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Highland homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $26,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Highland that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Highland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,712 |
| 3 years | $-3,167 |
| 5 years | $-1,622 |
| 7 years | $-78 |
| 9 years | $1,467 |
| 11 years | $3,012 |
| 13 years | $4,557 |
| 15 years | $6,102 |
| 17 years | $7,647 |
| 19 years | $9,192 |
| 21 years | $10,736 |
| 23 years | $12,281 |
| 25 years | $13,826 |
Top Solar Installers in Highland
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and know-how. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Highland, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Highland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highland
There are several factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Highland. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Highland, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Most solar installers in Highland offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Highland is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining 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 some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 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.