Solar Panel Cost Guide in Newark, CA (2024 Update)
- Newark Solar Installation Cost: $7,314
- 25-Year Savings: $20,577
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Newark
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Newark.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Newark it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Newark is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,314 for a solar installation, or $10,459 before the 0 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 go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Newark see about $33,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Newark
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,776 |
| 3 years | $-2,700 |
| 5 years | $376 |
| 7 years | $3,452 |
| 9 years | $6,528 |
| 11 years | $9,603 |
| 13 years | $12,679 |
| 15 years | $15,755 |
| 17 years | $18,831 |
| 19 years | $21,907 |
| 21 years | $24,982 |
| 23 years | $28,058 |
| 25 years | $31,134 |
Top Solar Installers in Newark
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Newark, optimizing your ROI.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Newark
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Newark
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Newark: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,470. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Newark to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill 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 provides 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 | $37,313 | 7.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $50,140 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $63,161 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $76,376 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $89,785 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $103,389 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $117,187 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $131,180 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, 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.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Newark, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Newark?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Newark?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.