Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rocklin, CA (2023 Update)
- Rocklin Solar Installation Cost: $5,905
- 25-Year Savings: $19,527
- Payback Period: 5.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rocklin
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Rocklin.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Rocklin generally cost about 2.73. Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Rocklin, the average price of going solar will be about $5,905 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Rocklin homeowner can save around $31,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Rocklin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,888 |
| 3 years | $-2,853 |
| 5 years | $-819 |
| 7 years | $1,216 |
| 9 years | $3,250 |
| 11 years | $5,285 |
| 13 years | $7,320 |
| 15 years | $9,354 |
| 17 years | $11,389 |
| 19 years | $13,423 |
| 21 years | $15,458 |
| 23 years | $17,492 |
| 25 years | $19,527 |
Top Solar Installers in Rocklin
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Rocklin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rocklin
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Rocklin: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Rocklin average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rocklin to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Rocklin is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced 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 choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $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
The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure 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.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Rocklin?
You can't get solar panels for free in Rocklin. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,644.20 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Rocklin?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.