Solar Panel Cost Guide in Morada, CA (Jan 2023)
- Morada Solar Installation Cost: $5,790
- 25-Year Savings: $20,541
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Morada
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Morada.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Morada generally cost about $3. Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Morada, the average price of going solar will be about $5,790 before claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Morada can save around $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
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 | $-4,737 |
| 3 years | $-2,631 |
| 5 years | $-524 |
| 7 years | $1,582 |
| 9 years | $3,689 |
| 11 years | $5,795 |
| 13 years | $7,902 |
| 15 years | $10,008 |
| 17 years | $12,115 |
| 19 years | $14,221 |
| 21 years | $16,328 |
| 23 years | $18,434 |
| 25 years | $20,541 |
Top Solar Installers in Morada
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Morada
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Morada
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary 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 discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Morada average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Morada homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Morada, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company 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 EcoWatch.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Morada, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing 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 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 Morada?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Morada, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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.