Solar Panel Cost Guide in McSwain, CA (2023 Update)
- McSwain Solar Installation Cost: $5,662
- 25-Year Savings: $19,706
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in McSwain
See how much it might cost to go solar in McSwain.
In McSwain, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in McSwain, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,657, or $8,090 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in McSwain see about $33,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in McSwain, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in McSwain
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,124 |
| 3 years | $-1,049 |
| 5 years | $2,027 |
| 7 years | $5,103 |
| 9 years | $8,179 |
| 11 years | $11,255 |
| 13 years | $14,330 |
| 15 years | $17,406 |
| 17 years | $20,482 |
| 19 years | $23,558 |
| 21 years | $26,634 |
| 23 years | $29,709 |
| 25 years | $32,785 |
Top Solar Installers in McSwain
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in McSwain
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McSwain
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in McSwain: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in McSwain, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many McSwain homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in McSwain is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $39,444 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,898 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,505 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,264 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $94,176 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,242 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $122,460 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,831 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- 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 large role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's McSwain, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in McSwain?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in McSwain?
Solar panels aren't free in McSwain, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out 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 house 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.