Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mckinleyville, CA (Mar 2023)
- Mckinleyville Solar Installation Cost: $6,192
- 25-Year Savings: $20,139
- Payback Period: 5.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mckinleyville
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Mckinleyville.
The average cost of a solar system in Mckinleyville is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 3.2-kW system would cost about $6,192 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Mckinleyville homeowners see about $31,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Mckinleyville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Mckinleyville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,138 |
| 3 years | $-3,032 |
| 5 years | $-925 |
| 7 years | $1,181 |
| 9 years | $3,288 |
| 11 years | $5,394 |
| 13 years | $7,500 |
| 15 years | $9,607 |
| 17 years | $11,713 |
| 19 years | $13,820 |
| 21 years | $15,926 |
| 23 years | $18,033 |
| 25 years | $20,139 |
Top Solar Installers in Mckinleyville
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Mckinleyville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mckinleyville
For many Mckinleyville homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mckinleyville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Mckinleyville. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Mckinleyville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Mckinleyville is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $36,793 | 6.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $49,364 | 6.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $62,087 | 5.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $74,963 | 5.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $87,991 | 5.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $101,173 | 5.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $114,508 | 5.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $127,995 | 5.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Mckinleyville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years 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 quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
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 Mckinleyville, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mckinleyville?
The average cost of solar panels in Mckinleyville 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Mckinleyville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Mckinleyville?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.