Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ione, CA (Jan 2023)
- Ione Solar Installation Cost: $5,867
- 25-Year Savings: $18,547
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ione
We break down average solar pricing in Ione.
In Ione, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Ione is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,867 for a solar installation, or $4,342 after the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large initial cost, the average Ione homeowner can save around $30,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ione
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,890 |
| 3 years | $-2,937 |
| 5 years | $-984 |
| 7 years | $969 |
| 9 years | $2,922 |
| 11 years | $4,875 |
| 13 years | $6,828 |
| 15 years | $8,781 |
| 17 years | $10,735 |
| 19 years | $12,688 |
| 21 years | $14,641 |
| 23 years | $16,594 |
| 25 years | $18,547 |
Top Solar Installers in Ione
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a vetted 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 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 Ione
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ione
The cost of installing a solar system in Ione can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Ione, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Ione, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Ione, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Ione homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Ione, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $35,756 | 6.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $47,980 | 6.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $60,357 | 6.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $72,887 | 5.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $85,570 | 5.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $98,406 | 5.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $111,395 | 5.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $124,536 | 5.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Ione, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Ione, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ione?
The average cost of solar panels in Ione is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Ione?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Does Ione have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.