Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sacramento, CA (2024 Update)
- Sacramento Solar Installation Cost: $7,491
- 25-Year Savings: $16,777
- Payback Period: 8.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sacramento
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Sacramento.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sacramento, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,491 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Sacramento homeowner can save around $28,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Sacramento that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Sacramento
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,446 |
| 3 years | $-4,357 |
| 5 years | $-2,267 |
| 7 years | $-178 |
| 9 years | $1,912 |
| 11 years | $4,001 |
| 13 years | $6,091 |
| 15 years | $8,180 |
| 17 years | $10,270 |
| 19 years | $12,359 |
| 21 years | $14,449 |
| 23 years | $16,538 |
| 25 years | $18,628 |
Top Solar Installers in Sacramento
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another great thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Sacramento, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Sacramento
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sacramento
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Sacramento: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Sacramento, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Sacramento, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Sacramento homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Sacramento, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $28,949 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $38,988 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $49,220 | 8.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $59,647 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $70,269 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $81,084 | 7.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $92,094 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $103,299 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Sacramento, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sacramento?
The average cost of solar panels in Sacramento is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Sacramento, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 account for 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.