Solar Panel Cost Guide in Meadow Vista, CA (2023 Update)
- Meadow Vista Solar Installation Cost: $5,912
- 25-Year Savings: $20,419
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Meadow Vista
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Meadow Vista.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Meadow Vista generally cost around 2.73. The average solar panel system size in Meadow Vista is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,905 for a solar installation, or $8,444 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $32,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Meadow Vista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,824 |
| 3 years | $-5,648 |
| 5 years | $-5,473 |
| 7 years | $-5,297 |
| 9 years | $-5,122 |
| 11 years | $-4,946 |
| 13 years | $-4,771 |
| 15 years | $-4,595 |
| 17 years | $-4,420 |
| 19 years | $-4,244 |
| 21 years | $-4,068 |
| 23 years | $-3,893 |
| 25 years | $-3,717 |
Top Solar Installers in Meadow Vista
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you're looking for a solar company in Meadow Vista, 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 Meadow Vista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Meadow Vista
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Meadow Vista is $5,905, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Meadow Vista. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Meadow Vista, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Meadow Vista, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $39,146 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,500 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,007 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $79,667 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $93,480 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $107,446 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $121,565 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $135,836 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Meadow Vista, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Meadow Vista?
The average cost of solar panels in Meadow Vista 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Meadow Vista?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 get 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.