Solar Panel Cost Guide in Linda, CA (2024 Update)
- Linda Solar Installation Cost: $7,569
- 25-Year Savings: $30,878
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Linda
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Linda.
In Linda, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Linda, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,569, or $10,824 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $32,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Linda find going solar can pay off big.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Linda
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,031 |
| 3 years | $-2,955 |
| 5 years | $120 |
| 7 years | $3,196 |
| 9 years | $6,272 |
| 11 years | $9,348 |
| 13 years | $12,424 |
| 15 years | $15,499 |
| 17 years | $18,575 |
| 19 years | $21,651 |
| 21 years | $24,727 |
| 23 years | $27,803 |
| 25 years | $30,878 |
Top Solar Installers in Linda
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Linda, we've compiled 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 Linda
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Linda
For many Linda homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Linda, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Linda average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Linda’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $35,543 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,779 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $60,209 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $72,834 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $85,653 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $98,667 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $111,875 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $125,277 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Linda, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Linda?
The average cost of solar panels in Linda 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Linda?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Linda. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Linda have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.