Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mead Valley, CA (Feb 2023)
- Mead Valley Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $15,338
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mead Valley
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Mead Valley.
In Mead Valley, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. Since a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Mead Valley, the average price of going solar will be about $5,351 before claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Mead Valley homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Mead Valley homeowners see about $28,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Mead Valley, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mead Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,523 |
| 3 years | $-2,868 |
| 5 years | $-1,213 |
| 7 years | $442 |
| 9 years | $2,097 |
| 11 years | $3,752 |
| 13 years | $5,407 |
| 15 years | $7,062 |
| 17 years | $8,717 |
| 19 years | $10,372 |
| 21 years | $12,028 |
| 23 years | $13,683 |
| 25 years | $15,338 |
Top Solar Installers in Mead Valley
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and handiness. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Mead Valley, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Mead Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mead Valley
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Mead Valley is $5,351, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,730. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Mead Valley, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Mead Valley homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
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 Mead Valley is the company you hire 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 for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $32,394 | 6.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $43,498 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $54,754 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $66,164 | 6.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $77,726 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $89,441 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $101,309 | 6.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $113,330 | 5.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Mead Valley, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
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 Mead Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mead Valley?
The average cost of solar panels in Mead Valley is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Mead Valley?
A solar panel system isn't free in Mead Valley, 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 further reduce the cost.
Does Mead Valley have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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.