Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pleasant Hill, CA (2023 Update)
- Pleasant Hill Solar Installation Cost: $5,818
- 25-Year Savings: $20,513
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pleasant Hill
See how much it might cost to go solar in Pleasant Hill.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pleasant Hill typically cost around 2.73. The average Pleasant Hill homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,809 with the federal tax credit, or $8,307 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Pleasant Hill for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pleasant Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,280 |
| 3 years | $-1,204 |
| 5 years | $1,872 |
| 7 years | $4,948 |
| 9 years | $8,023 |
| 11 years | $11,099 |
| 13 years | $14,175 |
| 15 years | $17,251 |
| 17 years | $20,327 |
| 19 years | $23,402 |
| 21 years | $26,478 |
| 23 years | $29,554 |
| 25 years | $32,630 |
Top Solar Installers in Pleasant Hill
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
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 Pleasant Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pleasant Hill
The cost of installing a solar system in Pleasant Hill can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Pleasant Hill, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $39,971 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,600 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,382 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $81,317 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $95,405 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $109,646 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $124,039 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $138,586 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Pleasant Hill, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should go with, 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 Pleasant Hill, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pleasant Hill?
The average cost of solar panels in Pleasant Hill 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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Pleasant Hill?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Pleasant Hill is currently $719,000, which means you can expect a value of about $29,479 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Pleasant Hill is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Pleasant Hill?
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 how much energy they produce 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.