Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rocklin, CA (2023 Update)
- Rocklin Solar Installation Cost: $5,912
- 25-Year Savings: $19,520
- Payback Period: 5.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rocklin
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Rocklin.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rocklin generally cost around 2.73. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Rocklin, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,905, or $8,444 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Rocklin depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Rocklin homeowners see about $31,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Rocklin for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Rocklin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,374 |
| 3 years | $-1,298 |
| 5 years | $1,778 |
| 7 years | $4,854 |
| 9 years | $7,929 |
| 11 years | $11,005 |
| 13 years | $14,081 |
| 15 years | $17,157 |
| 17 years | $20,233 |
| 19 years | $23,308 |
| 21 years | $26,384 |
| 23 years | $29,460 |
| 25 years | $32,536 |
Top Solar Installers in Rocklin
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
See all of the solar companies in Rocklin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rocklin
For many Rocklin homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rocklin, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Rocklin, 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 a better option. 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 Rocklin to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Rocklin, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $37,401 | 6.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $50,174 | 5.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $63,100 | 5.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $76,178 | 5.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $89,410 | 5.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $102,794 | 5.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $116,332 | 5.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $130,022 | 5.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Rocklin, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Rocklin, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rocklin?
The average cost of solar panels in Rocklin 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 consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rocklin?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 get 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.