Solar Panel Cost Guide in Larkfield Wikiup, CA (Mar 2023)
- Larkfield Wikiup Solar Installation Cost: $5,905
- 25-Year Savings: $20,426
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Larkfield Wikiup
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Larkfield Wikiup.
The average cost of solar panels in Larkfield Wikiup is 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Larkfield Wikiup, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,905, or $8,444 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Larkfield Wikiup depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Larkfield Wikiup homeowner can save about $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Larkfield Wikiup that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Larkfield Wikiup
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,852 |
| 3 years | $-2,745 |
| 5 years | $-639 |
| 7 years | $1,468 |
| 9 years | $3,574 |
| 11 years | $5,681 |
| 13 years | $7,787 |
| 15 years | $9,894 |
| 17 years | $12,000 |
| 19 years | $14,107 |
| 21 years | $16,213 |
| 23 years | $18,320 |
| 25 years | $20,426 |
Top Solar Installers in Larkfield Wikiup
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Larkfield Wikiup
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Larkfield Wikiup
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Larkfield Wikiup: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Larkfield Wikiup, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Larkfield Wikiup homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $39,269 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,664 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,213 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $79,914 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $93,768 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $107,775 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $121,935 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,248 | 5.0 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 choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- 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.
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 Larkfield Wikiup, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Larkfield Wikiup?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Larkfield Wikiup?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Larkfield Wikiup is currently $599,470, which means you can expect a value of about $24,578 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Larkfield Wikiup is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.