Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pinole, CA (2024 Update)
- Pinole Solar Installation Cost: $7,395
- 25-Year Savings: $31,053
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pinole
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Pinole.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Pinole it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Pinole is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,395 for a solar installation, or $10,575 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Pinole
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,857 |
| 3 years | $-2,781 |
| 5 years | $295 |
| 7 years | $3,371 |
| 9 years | $6,446 |
| 11 years | $9,522 |
| 13 years | $12,598 |
| 15 years | $15,674 |
| 17 years | $18,750 |
| 19 years | $21,825 |
| 21 years | $24,901 |
| 23 years | $27,977 |
| 25 years | $31,053 |
Top Solar Installers in Pinole
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and handiness. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Pinole
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pinole
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Pinole: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,470. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Pinole to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Pinole homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Pinole, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Pinole are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $36,738 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $49,373 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $62,202 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $75,225 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $88,443 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $101,855 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $115,461 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $129,262 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Pinole, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Pinole, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pinole?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pinole?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to 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 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Pinole?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.