Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rancho Calaveras, CA (Mar 2023)
- Rancho Calaveras Solar Installation Cost: $5,829
- 25-Year Savings: $20,412
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rancho Calaveras
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Rancho Calaveras.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Rancho Calaveras is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $5,829 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Rancho Calaveras based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Rancho Calaveras homeowners see about $33,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rancho Calaveras
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,779 |
| 3 years | $-2,680 |
| 5 years | $-580 |
| 7 years | $1,519 |
| 9 years | $3,618 |
| 11 years | $5,717 |
| 13 years | $7,816 |
| 15 years | $9,916 |
| 17 years | $12,015 |
| 19 years | $14,114 |
| 21 years | $16,213 |
| 23 years | $18,312 |
| 25 years | $20,412 |
Top Solar Installers in Rancho Calaveras
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Rancho Calaveras
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rancho Calaveras
For many Rancho Calaveras homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rancho Calaveras, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Rancho Calaveras, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you want 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 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. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Rancho Calaveras provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. It's wise to factor 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Rancho Calaveras, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $39,642 | 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
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Rancho Calaveras, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rancho Calaveras?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Rancho Calaveras have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.