Solar Panel Cost Guide in Meadow Vista, CA (Feb 2023)
- Meadow Vista Solar Installation Cost: $5,905
- 25-Year Savings: $20,426
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Meadow Vista
We break down average solar pricing in Meadow Vista.
The average cost of solar panels in Meadow Vista is $3 per watt. 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 $4,370 after the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Meadow Vista depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Meadow Vista homeowners see about $32,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Meadow Vista that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Meadow Vista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,852 |
| 3 years | $-2,745 |
| 5 years | $-639 |
| 7 years | $1,468 |
| 9 years | $3,574 |
| 11 years | $5,681 |
| 13 years | $7,787 |
| 15 years | $9,894 |
| 17 years | $12,000 |
| 19 years | $14,107 |
| 21 years | $16,213 |
| 23 years | $18,320 |
| 25 years | $20,426 |
Top Solar Installers in Meadow Vista
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Meadow Vista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Meadow Vista
The cost of installing a solar system in Meadow Vista can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in Meadow Vista. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Meadow Vista's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut 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 car 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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Meadow Vista, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Meadow Vista?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Meadow Vista?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Meadow Vista?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.