Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Auburn, CA (2024 Update)
- North Auburn Solar Installation Cost: $7,514
- 25-Year Savings: $20,419
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Auburn
We break down average solar pricing in North Auburn.
In North Auburn, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in North Auburn is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,514 for a solar installation, or $10,745 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average North Auburn homeowner can save around $32,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in North Auburn, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Auburn
| 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 North Auburn
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 North Auburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Auburn
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in North Auburn: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in North Auburn.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in North Auburn, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in North Auburn are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands 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 sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 North Auburn, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Auburn?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in North Auburn?
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 can’t take advantage of 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.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in North Auburn is currently $789,253, which means you can expect a value of about $32,359 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in North Auburn is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in North Auburn?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.