Solar Panel Cost Guide in Riverbank, CA (2025 Update)
- Riverbank Solar Installation Cost: $7,258
- 25-Year Savings: $20,530
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Riverbank
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Riverbank.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Riverbank typically cost around 3.The average solar panel system size in Riverbank is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,258 for a solar installation, or $10,379 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Riverbank homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Riverbank can save around $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Riverbank
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,720 |
| 3 years | $-2,644 |
| 5 years | $432 |
| 7 years | $3,508 |
| 9 years | $6,583 |
| 11 years | $9,659 |
| 13 years | $12,735 |
| 15 years | $15,811 |
| 17 years | $18,887 |
| 19 years | $21,962 |
| 21 years | $25,038 |
| 23 years | $28,114 |
| 25 years | $31,190 |
Top Solar Installers in Riverbank
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Plus, if you’re unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Riverbank
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Riverbank
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Riverbank: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,470 per kilowatt in Riverbank.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Riverbank average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Riverbank homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Riverbank is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $37,535 | 7.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $50,435 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $63,529 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $76,818 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $90,301 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $103,979 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $117,851 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $131,917 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Riverbank, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Riverbank?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Riverbank?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Riverbank, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Riverbank is currently $460,514, so you could be looking at a value of about $18,881 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Riverbank is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Riverbank?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.