Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ripon, CA (2023 Update)
- Ripon Solar Installation Cost: $5,790
- 25-Year Savings: $20,450
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ripon
We go over average solar pricing in Ripon.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Ripon is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Ripon is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,790 for a solar installation, or $8,280 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Ripon homeowners. The price 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. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Ripon can save around $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ripon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,741 |
| 3 years | $-2,641 |
| 5 years | $-542 |
| 7 years | $1,557 |
| 9 years | $3,656 |
| 11 years | $5,755 |
| 13 years | $7,855 |
| 15 years | $9,954 |
| 17 years | $12,053 |
| 19 years | $14,152 |
| 21 years | $16,251 |
| 23 years | $18,351 |
| 25 years | $20,450 |
Top Solar Installers in Ripon
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're searching for a solar company in Ripon, we've organized 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 Ripon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ripon
The cost of installing a solar system in Ripon can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 Ripon to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Ripon homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Ripon, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $40,104 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,777 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,604 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $81,583 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $95,715 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $110,001 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $124,439 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $139,030 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
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 Ripon, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Ripon?
The average cost of solar panels in Ripon 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ripon?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably 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% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 replace them after having 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.