Solar Panel Cost Guide in Piedmont, CA (2024 Update)

  • Piedmont Solar Installation Cost: $7,314
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,577
  • Payback Period: 6.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Piedmont

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Piedmont.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Piedmont generally cost about 3.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Piedmont, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,314, or $10,459 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Piedmont based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Piedmont see about $33,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Piedmont for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Piedmont

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,776
3 years $-2,700
5 years $376
7 years $3,452
9 years $6,528
11 years $9,603
13 years $12,679
15 years $15,755
17 years $18,831
19 years $21,907
21 years $24,982
23 years $28,058
25 years $31,134

Top Solar Installers in Piedmont

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Piedmont:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Piedmont

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Piedmont

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Piedmont: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Piedmont average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Piedmont to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.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 can only 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 significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Piedmont, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better 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 discount can bring their pricing down 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 $3.61 $15,157 $37,313 7.2 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $50,140 7.1 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $63,161 6.9 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $76,376 6.8 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $89,785 6.7 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $103,389 6.5 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $117,187 6.4 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $131,180 6.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Piedmont, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Piedmont?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Piedmont?

Solar panels aren’t free in Piedmont, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Piedmont, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Piedmont?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.

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