Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pollock Pines, CA (2024 Update)

  • Pollock Pines Solar Installation Cost: $7,493
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,436
  • 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 Pollock Pines

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Pollock Pines.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Pollock Pines is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Pollock Pines, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,493, or $10,715 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Pollock Pines homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $32,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pollock Pines find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Pollock Pines

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,955
3 years $-2,879
5 years $197
7 years $3,272
9 years $6,348
11 years $9,424
13 years $12,500
15 years $15,576
17 years $18,651
19 years $21,727
21 years $24,803
23 years $27,879
25 years $30,955

Top Solar Installers in Pollock Pines

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another good thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

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 Pollock Pines

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pollock Pines

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Pollock Pines: 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 panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,470. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Pollock Pines homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge 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 pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 $3.61 $15,157 $36,057 7.4 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $48,465 7.3 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $61,067 7.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $73,864 7.0 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $86,854 6.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $100,039 6.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $113,419 6.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $126,992 6.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 good reviews from previous customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.

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 Pollock Pines, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pollock Pines?

The average cost of solar panels in Pollock Pines is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Pollock Pines is currently $405,851, which means you can look forward to a value of about $16,640 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Pollock Pines is a rewarding investment.

How long do solar panels last in Pollock Pines?

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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.

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