Solar Panel Cost Guide in Keyes, CA (2024 Update)
- Keyes Solar Installation Cost: $7,258
- 25-Year Savings: $18,373
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Keyes
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Keyes.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Keyes generally cost about 3.Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Keyes, the average price of going solar will be about $7,258 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Keyes homeowner can save around $31,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Keyes, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Keyes
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,175 |
| 3 years | $-4,009 |
| 5 years | $-1,844 |
| 7 years | $322 |
| 9 years | $2,487 |
| 11 years | $4,653 |
| 13 years | $6,818 |
| 15 years | $8,984 |
| 17 years | $11,150 |
| 19 years | $13,315 |
| 21 years | $15,481 |
| 23 years | $17,646 |
| 25 years | $19,812 |
Top Solar Installers in Keyes
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be challenging. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
If you're looking for a solar company in Keyes, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Keyes
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Keyes
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Keyes: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Keyes, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
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 panel companies operating throughout Keyes, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $33,203 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $44,660 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $56,310 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $68,155 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $80,195 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $92,428 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $104,856 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $117,478 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Keyes, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Keyes?
The average cost of solar panels in Keyes is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Keyes?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Keyes, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Keyes is currently $381,639, which means you can expect a value of about $15,647 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Keyes is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.