Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pine Hills, CA (Mar 2023)
- Pine Hills Solar Installation Cost: $6,192
- 25-Year Savings: $20,139
- Payback Period: 5.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pine Hills
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Pine Hills.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pine Hills generally cost around 2.73. Since a 3.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Pine Hills, the average price of going solar will be about $6,192 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $31,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Pine Hills that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pine Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,138 |
| 3 years | $-3,032 |
| 5 years | $-925 |
| 7 years | $1,181 |
| 9 years | $3,288 |
| 11 years | $5,394 |
| 13 years | $7,500 |
| 15 years | $9,607 |
| 17 years | $11,713 |
| 19 years | $13,820 |
| 21 years | $15,926 |
| 23 years | $18,033 |
| 25 years | $20,139 |
Top Solar Installers in Pine Hills
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Pine Hills, 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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Pine Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pine Hills
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 Pine Hills: 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 most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation 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 $2,730. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Pine Hills provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company 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 Pine Hills are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $36,793 | 6.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $49,364 | 6.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $62,087 | 5.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $74,963 | 5.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $87,991 | 5.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $101,173 | 5.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $114,508 | 5.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $127,995 | 5.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Pine Hills, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Pine Hills, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pine Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in Pine Hills is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Pine Hills, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.