Solar Panel Cost Guide in Palermo, CA (2023 Update)
- Palermo Solar Installation Cost: $6,001
- 25-Year Savings: $20,330
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Palermo
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Palermo.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Palermo, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $6,001 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Palermo based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $32,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Palermo find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Palermo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,947 |
| 3 years | $-2,841 |
| 5 years | $-734 |
| 7 years | $1,372 |
| 9 years | $3,479 |
| 11 years | $5,585 |
| 13 years | $7,692 |
| 15 years | $9,798 |
| 17 years | $11,905 |
| 19 years | $14,011 |
| 21 years | $16,118 |
| 23 years | $18,224 |
| 25 years | $20,330 |
Top Solar Installers in Palermo
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are several 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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Palermo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Palermo
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Palermo is $6,001, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Palermo. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Palermo to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Palermo homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Palermo know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $38,394 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $51,498 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $64,754 | 5.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $78,164 | 5.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $91,726 | 5.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $105,441 | 5.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $119,310 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $133,331 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Palermo, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Palermo?
The average cost of solar panels in Palermo is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Palermo?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Palermo?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Palermo?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.