Solar Panel Cost Guide in Paradise, CA (2023 Update)
- Paradise 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 Paradise
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Paradise.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Paradise 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.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $32,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Paradise for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Paradise
| 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 Paradise
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in Paradise, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Paradise
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Paradise
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Paradise: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Paradise average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Paradise to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Paradise is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $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 installer you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Paradise, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Paradise?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Paradise?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get 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 savings from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,677.29 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 home 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.