Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mcswain, CA (Mar 2023)
- Mcswain Solar Installation Cost: $5,657
- 25-Year Savings: $19,712
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mcswain
We break down average solar pricing in Mcswain.
The average cost of a solar system in Mcswain is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Mcswain is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,657 for a solar installation, or $8,090 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Mcswain see about $33,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar company in Mcswain, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mcswain
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,642 |
| 3 years | $-2,612 |
| 5 years | $-583 |
| 7 years | $1,447 |
| 9 years | $3,476 |
| 11 years | $5,505 |
| 13 years | $7,535 |
| 15 years | $9,564 |
| 17 years | $11,594 |
| 19 years | $13,623 |
| 21 years | $15,653 |
| 23 years | $17,682 |
| 25 years | $19,712 |
Top Solar Installers in Mcswain
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Mcswain
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mcswain
There are many criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Mcswain. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Mcswain to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Mcswain is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. 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
The solar company you go with will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
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 Mcswain, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mcswain?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Mcswain?
You can't get solar panels for free in Mcswain. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,712.29 per year.
What solar power system size is right for 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.