Solar Panel Cost Guide in Morada, CA (2023 Update)
- Morada Solar Installation Cost: $5,783
- 25-Year Savings: $20,548
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Morada
We break down average solar pricing in Morada.
The average cost of solar panels in Morada is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $5,790 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Morada homeowner can save about $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Morada that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Morada
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,245 |
| 3 years | $-1,169 |
| 5 years | $1,907 |
| 7 years | $4,983 |
| 9 years | $8,058 |
| 11 years | $11,134 |
| 13 years | $14,210 |
| 15 years | $17,286 |
| 17 years | $20,362 |
| 19 years | $23,437 |
| 21 years | $26,513 |
| 23 years | $29,589 |
| 25 years | $32,665 |
Top Solar Installers in Morada
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Morada
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Morada
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Morada: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Morada provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial 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 making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Morada's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $40,284 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,017 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,904 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $81,943 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $96,135 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $110,481 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $124,979 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $139,630 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 previous customers.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's 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 Morada, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Morada?
The average cost of solar panels in Morada 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Morada?
You can't get solar panels for free in Morada. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Morada?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.