Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orangevale, CA (2024 Update)
- Orangevale Solar Installation Cost: $7,491
- 25-Year Savings: $17,721
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orangevale
We break down average solar pricing in Orangevale.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Orangevale it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,491 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $29,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Orangevale, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Orangevale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,135 |
| 3 years | $-3,421 |
| 5 years | $-708 |
| 7 years | $2,005 |
| 9 years | $4,718 |
| 11 years | $7,431 |
| 13 years | $10,144 |
| 15 years | $12,857 |
| 17 years | $15,570 |
| 19 years | $18,283 |
| 21 years | $20,996 |
| 23 years | $23,709 |
| 25 years | $26,422 |
Top Solar Installers in Orangevale
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a vetted solar company 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 Orangevale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orangevale
Though the average cost of a solar system in Orangevale is $7,491, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, 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 kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower 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. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Orangevale homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.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’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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $30,785 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $41,435 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $52,280 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $63,319 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $74,552 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $85,980 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $97,602 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $109,418 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Orangevale, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Orangevale?
The average cost of solar panels in Orangevale is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Orangevale?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Orangevale. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,531.40 per year.
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.