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

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 Rancho Murieta

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Rancho Murieta.

The average cost of a solar system in Rancho Murieta is 3 per watt.Because a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Rancho Murieta, the average price of going solar will be about $7,491 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Rancho Murieta see about $30,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Rancho Murieta for a personalized quote.

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

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 Rancho Murieta

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rancho Murieta

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 Rancho Murieta: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Rancho Murieta.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rancho Murieta to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Rancho Murieta are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 $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

There are a large number of companies available in Rancho Murieta, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer 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 proven expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
  • 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 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 Rancho Murieta, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rancho Murieta?

The average cost of solar panels in Rancho Murieta 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

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 your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Rancho Murieta is currently $726,558, so you can expect a value of about $29,789 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Rancho Murieta is a fruitful investment.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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