Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rocklin, CA (2025 Update)

  • Rocklin Solar Installation Cost: $7,514
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,520
  • Payback Period: 7.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rocklin

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Rocklin.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Rocklin is 3 per watt.The average Rocklin homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,514 with the federal tax credit, or $10,745 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $31,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Rocklin find investing in solar can pay off big.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Rocklin for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Rocklin

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-5,976
3 years$-2,900
5 years$175
7 years$3,251
9 years$6,327
11 years$9,403
13 years$12,479
15 years$15,554
17 years$18,630
19 years$21,706
21 years$24,782
23 years$27,858
25 years$30,933

Top Solar Installers in Rocklin

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels on your own can be challenging. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.

Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Advertisement

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 who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Rocklin: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production 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 $3,470.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 a small roof 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 add-ons 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 Rocklin to be too expensive, 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 lead to higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 promotions to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$34,1697.7 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$45,9477.5 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$57,9207.4 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$70,0877.2 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$82,4487.1 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$95,0046.9 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$107,7536.8 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$120,6986.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies available in Rocklin, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Advertisement

EcoWatch's Rocklin, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rocklin?

The average cost of solar panels in Rocklin is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as 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 Rocklin?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

How will installing solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for 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."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.