Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pacheco, CA (2023 Update)
- Pacheco Solar Installation Cost: $5,818
- 25-Year Savings: $20,513
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pacheco
We break down average solar pricing in Pacheco.
The average cost of solar panels in Pacheco is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Pacheco, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,809, or $8,307 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Pacheco depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the large initial cost, the average Pacheco homeowner can save around $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Pacheco, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pacheco
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,730 |
| 3 years | $-5,554 |
| 5 years | $-5,379 |
| 7 years | $-5,203 |
| 9 years | $-5,028 |
| 11 years | $-4,852 |
| 13 years | $-4,677 |
| 15 years | $-4,501 |
| 17 years | $-4,326 |
| 19 years | $-4,150 |
| 21 years | $-3,975 |
| 23 years | $-3,799 |
| 25 years | $-3,623 |
Top Solar Installers in Pacheco
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Pacheco:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Pacheco
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pacheco
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Pacheco: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, 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 panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $39,971 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,600 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,382 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $81,317 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $95,405 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $109,646 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $124,039 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $138,586 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Pacheco, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pacheco?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pacheco?
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 property 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.
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 $1,729.84 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.