Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rancho Murieta, CA (2024 Update)
- Rancho Murieta Solar Installation Cost: $7,491
- 25-Year Savings: $18,520
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rancho Murieta
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Rancho Murieta.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Rancho Murieta, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Rancho Murieta homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,491 with the federal tax credit, or $10,712 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Rancho Murieta homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $30,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rancho Murieta find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rancho Murieta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,953 |
| 3 years | $-2,877 |
| 5 years | $198 |
| 7 years | $3,274 |
| 9 years | $6,350 |
| 11 years | $9,426 |
| 13 years | $12,502 |
| 15 years | $15,577 |
| 17 years | $18,653 |
| 19 years | $21,729 |
| 21 years | $24,805 |
| 23 years | $27,881 |
| 25 years | $30,956 |
Top Solar Installers in Rancho Murieta
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Murieta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rancho Murieta
There are several factors that can play into your total 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in Rancho Murieta.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 can expect 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Rancho Murieta is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $32,340 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $43,509 | 7.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $54,872 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $66,429 | 7.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $78,181 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $90,127 | 7.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $102,267 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $114,602 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Murieta, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rancho Murieta?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for 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."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 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.