Solar Panel Cost Guide in Olivehurst, CA (2024 Update)
- Olivehurst Solar Installation Cost: $7,569
- 25-Year Savings: $20,376
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Olivehurst
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Olivehurst.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Olivehurst typically cost about 3.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,569 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $32,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Olivehurst find going solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Olivehurst for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Olivehurst
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,031 |
| 3 years | $-2,955 |
| 5 years | $120 |
| 7 years | $3,196 |
| 9 years | $6,272 |
| 11 years | $9,348 |
| 13 years | $12,424 |
| 15 years | $15,499 |
| 17 years | $18,575 |
| 19 years | $21,651 |
| 21 years | $24,727 |
| 23 years | $27,803 |
| 25 years | $30,878 |
Top Solar Installers in Olivehurst
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and know-how. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are a number of 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Olivehurst
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Olivehurst
There are many criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important 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 bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Olivehurst average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Olivehurst to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to add 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 how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Olivehurst, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $35,543 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,779 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $60,209 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $72,834 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $85,653 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $98,667 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $111,875 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $125,277 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find 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 verifiable 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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
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 Olivehurst, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Olivehurst?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Olivehurst, 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 check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 uses 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 household 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.