Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mead Valley, CA (2023 Update)
- Mead Valley Solar Installation Cost: $5,352
- 25-Year Savings: $15,336
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mead Valley
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Mead Valley.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Mead Valley typically cost around 2.73. Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $5,351 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. With typical savings of about $28,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mead Valley find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mead Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,283 |
| 3 years | $-5,146 |
| 5 years | $-5,008 |
| 7 years | $-4,870 |
| 9 years | $-4,732 |
| 11 years | $-4,594 |
| 13 years | $-4,456 |
| 15 years | $-4,318 |
| 17 years | $-4,180 |
| 19 years | $-4,042 |
| 21 years | $-3,904 |
| 23 years | $-3,766 |
| 25 years | $-3,628 |
Top Solar Installers in Mead Valley
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar company in Mead Valley, we've put together 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
See all of the solar companies in Mead Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mead Valley
There are several criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in Mead Valley. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Mead Valley homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Mead Valley is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Mead Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mead Valley?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Mead Valley?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.