Solar Panel Cost Guide in Planada, CA (2023 Update)
- Planada Solar Installation Cost: $5,662
- 25-Year Savings: $19,706
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Planada
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Planada.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Planada, the average cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $5,657 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Planada
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,578 |
| 3 years | $-5,409 |
| 5 years | $-5,240 |
| 7 years | $-5,070 |
| 9 years | $-4,901 |
| 11 years | $-4,732 |
| 13 years | $-4,563 |
| 15 years | $-4,394 |
| 17 years | $-4,225 |
| 19 years | $-4,056 |
| 21 years | $-3,887 |
| 23 years | $-3,717 |
| 25 years | $-3,548 |
Top Solar Installers in Planada
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 considering investing 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 discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require 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. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Planada, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate 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 instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $39,444 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,898 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,505 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,264 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $94,176 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,242 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $122,460 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,831 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Planada, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Planada?
The average cost of solar panels in Planada is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Planada?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for 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.