Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manteca, CA (2023 Update)
- Manteca Solar Installation Cost: $5,790
- 25-Year Savings: $20,466
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manteca
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Manteca.
In Manteca, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Manteca, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,790, or $8,280 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Manteca homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Manteca homeowners see about $33,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Manteca
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,740 |
| 3 years | $-2,640 |
| 5 years | $-539 |
| 7 years | $1,562 |
| 9 years | $3,662 |
| 11 years | $5,763 |
| 13 years | $7,863 |
| 15 years | $9,964 |
| 17 years | $12,064 |
| 19 years | $14,165 |
| 21 years | $16,265 |
| 23 years | $18,366 |
| 25 years | $20,466 |
Top Solar Installers in Manteca
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Manteca:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Manteca
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manteca
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Manteca: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
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 a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Manteca provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining the cost. Manteca's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $40,136 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,821 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,658 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $81,649 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $95,792 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $110,088 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $124,537 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $139,139 | 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. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Manteca, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Manteca?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Manteca?
A solar panel system isn't free in Manteca, 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 help lower the cost.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Manteca, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.