Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rio Vista, CA (2023 Update)
- Rio Vista Solar Installation Cost: $5,829
- 25-Year Savings: $20,502
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rio Vista
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Rio Vista.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rio Vista generally cost about 2.73. Because a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Rio Vista, the average price of going solar will be about $5,829 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Rio Vista can save around $33,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Rio Vista for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Rio Vista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,775 |
| 3 years | $-2,669 |
| 5 years | $-562 |
| 7 years | $1,544 |
| 9 years | $3,651 |
| 11 years | $5,757 |
| 13 years | $7,864 |
| 15 years | $9,970 |
| 17 years | $12,077 |
| 19 years | $14,183 |
| 21 years | $16,289 |
| 23 years | $18,396 |
| 25 years | $20,502 |
Top Solar Installers in Rio Vista
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Rio Vista, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Rio Vista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rio Vista
There are several criteria that can determine 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key 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 increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Rio Vista, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rio Vista to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $39,836 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,420 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,157 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $81,047 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $95,090 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $109,286 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $123,635 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $138,137 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- 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 panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Rio Vista, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rio Vista?
The average cost of solar panels in Rio Vista is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Rio Vista?
You can't get solar panels for free in Rio Vista. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Rio Vista?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 buy 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.