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

  • Planada Solar Installation Cost: $7,197
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,706
  • Payback Period: 7.1 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 Planada

See how much it might cost to go solar in Planada.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Planada it’s 3 per watt.Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Planada, the average price of going solar will be about $7,197 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Planada homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Planada that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Planada

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,659
3 years $-2,584
5 years $492
7 years $3,568
9 years $6,644
11 years $9,720
13 years $12,795
15 years $15,871
17 years $18,947
19 years $22,023
21 years $25,099
23 years $28,174
25 years $31,250

Top Solar Installers in Planada

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Planada:

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 Planada

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Planada

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

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Planada homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Planada is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.

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 $36,212 7.4 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $48,671 7.2 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $61,325 7.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $74,172 7.0 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $87,215 6.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $100,451 6.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $113,882 6.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $127,507 6.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • 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 like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.

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 Planada, CA Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration 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 will solar panels impact my property value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Planada is currently $265,429, so you can expect a value of about $10,883 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Planada is a worthwhile investment.

How long do solar panels last in Planada?

Even though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.

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