Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rancho Calaveras, CA (2023 Update)
- Rancho Calaveras Solar Installation Cost: $5,835
- 25-Year Savings: $20,406
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rancho Calaveras
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Rancho Calaveras.
In Rancho Calaveras, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $5,829 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Rancho Calaveras homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $33,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rancho Calaveras find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Rancho Calaveras for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Rancho Calaveras
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,747 |
| 3 years | $-5,572 |
| 5 years | $-5,397 |
| 7 years | $-5,222 |
| 9 years | $-5,047 |
| 11 years | $-4,872 |
| 13 years | $-4,697 |
| 15 years | $-4,523 |
| 17 years | $-4,348 |
| 19 years | $-4,173 |
| 21 years | $-3,998 |
| 23 years | $-3,823 |
| 25 years | $-3,648 |
Top Solar Installers in Rancho Calaveras
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
There are a number of 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 Rancho Calaveras
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rancho Calaveras
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need 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. 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 often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Rancho Calaveras homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Rancho Calaveras 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $39,642 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,162 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,834 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,660 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $94,638 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,769 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $123,054 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $137,491 | 5.0 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 models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it 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.
- Installation Process: An important thing 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 secure and what the project timeline is.
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 Rancho Calaveras, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rancho Calaveras?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rancho Calaveras?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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 property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Rancho Calaveras have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.