Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Fair Oaks, CA (2023 Update)
- North Fair Oaks Solar Installation Cost: $5,867
- 25-Year Savings: $19,377
- Payback Period: 5.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Fair Oaks
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in North Fair Oaks.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in North Fair Oaks, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in North Fair Oaks is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,867 for a solar installation, or $8,390 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in North Fair Oaks see about $31,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in North Fair Oaks
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,857 |
| 3 years | $-2,838 |
| 5 years | $-818 |
| 7 years | $1,201 |
| 9 years | $3,221 |
| 11 years | $5,240 |
| 13 years | $7,260 |
| 15 years | $9,279 |
| 17 years | $11,299 |
| 19 years | $13,318 |
| 21 years | $15,338 |
| 23 years | $17,357 |
| 25 years | $19,377 |
Top Solar Installers in North Fair Oaks
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 North Fair Oaks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Fair Oaks
The cost of installing a solar system in North Fair Oaks can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in North Fair Oaks. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 greater 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining how much it costs. North Fair Oaks' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $37,434 | 6.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $50,217 | 5.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $63,154 | 5.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $76,243 | 5.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $89,485 | 5.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $102,880 | 5.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $116,428 | 5.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $130,129 | 5.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in North Fair Oaks, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 North Fair Oaks, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Fair Oaks?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in North Fair Oaks?
Solar panels aren't free in North Fair Oaks, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in North Fair Oaks?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 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.