Solar Panel Cost Guide in Meadow Vista, CA (2024 Update)

  • Meadow Vista Solar Installation Cost: $7,514
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,419
  • Payback Period: 7.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Meadow Vista

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Meadow Vista.

The average cost of solar panels in Meadow Vista is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Meadow Vista, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,514, or $10,745 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Meadow Vista depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Meadow Vista homeowner can save around $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Meadow Vista

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,976
3 years $-2,900
5 years $175
7 years $3,251
9 years $6,327
11 years $9,403
13 years $12,479
15 years $15,554
17 years $18,630
19 years $21,706
21 years $24,782
23 years $27,858
25 years $30,933

Top Solar Installers in Meadow Vista

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another good thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Meadow Vista:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Meadow Vista

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Meadow Vista

Although the average cost of a solar system in Meadow Vista is $7,514, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Meadow Vista, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Meadow Vista homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Meadow Vista homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within 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 $3.61 $15,157 $35,913 7.4 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $48,273 7.3 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $60,827 7.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $73,575 7.0 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $86,518 6.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $99,655 6.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $112,987 6.6 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $126,512 6.4 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Meadow Vista, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Meadow Vista?

The average cost of solar panels in Meadow Vista is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Meadow Vista?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Meadow Vista?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How long do solar panels last in Meadow Vista?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.

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.

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