Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ione, CA (2023 Update)
- Ione Solar Installation Cost: $5,871
- 25-Year Savings: $18,543
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ione
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Ione.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Ione generally cost about 2.73. The average Ione homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,867 with the federal tax credit, or $8,390 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Ione based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $30,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Ione that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Ione
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,790 |
| 3 years | $-5,627 |
| 5 years | $-5,464 |
| 7 years | $-5,301 |
| 9 years | $-5,138 |
| 11 years | $-4,976 |
| 13 years | $-4,813 |
| 15 years | $-4,650 |
| 17 years | $-4,487 |
| 19 years | $-4,325 |
| 21 years | $-4,162 |
| 23 years | $-3,999 |
| 25 years | $-3,836 |
Top Solar Installers in Ione
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 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 dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Ione. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Ione homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Ione homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Ione, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
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 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas 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.
Does Ione have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.