Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rancho Cordova, CA (2023 Update)
- Rancho Cordova Solar Installation Cost: $5,886
- 25-Year Savings: $16,994
- Payback Period: 6.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rancho Cordova
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Rancho Cordova.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rancho Cordova, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Rancho Cordova, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,886, or $8,417 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Rancho Cordova homeowners see about $28,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Rancho Cordova
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,971 |
| 3 years | $-3,140 |
| 5 years | $-1,310 |
| 7 years | $521 |
| 9 years | $2,351 |
| 11 years | $4,181 |
| 13 years | $6,012 |
| 15 years | $7,842 |
| 17 years | $9,673 |
| 19 years | $11,503 |
| 21 years | $13,333 |
| 23 years | $15,164 |
| 25 years | $16,994 |
Top Solar Installers in Rancho Cordova
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Rancho Cordova
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rancho Cordova
The cost of installing a solar system in Rancho Cordova can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, 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 nearly $2,730. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Rancho Cordova homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Rancho Cordova homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Rancho Cordova is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $32,588 | 6.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $43,757 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $55,079 | 6.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $66,553 | 6.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $78,180 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $89,960 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $101,893 | 5.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $113,979 | 5.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Rancho Cordova, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rancho Cordova?
The average cost of solar panels in Rancho Cordova 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rancho Cordova?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Rancho Cordova?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable 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 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.