Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salida, CA (Mar 2023)
- Salida Solar Installation Cost: $5,714
- 25-Year Savings: $20,526
- Payback Period: 5.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salida
We break down average solar pricing in Salida.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Salida, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Salida, the average price of going solar will be about $5,714 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. With average savings of about $33,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Salida find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Salida
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,664 |
| 3 years | $-2,565 |
| 5 years | $-466 |
| 7 years | $1,633 |
| 9 years | $3,733 |
| 11 years | $5,832 |
| 13 years | $7,931 |
| 15 years | $10,030 |
| 17 years | $12,129 |
| 19 years | $14,229 |
| 21 years | $16,328 |
| 23 years | $18,427 |
| 25 years | $20,526 |
Top Solar Installers in Salida
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Salida
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salida
For many Salida homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Salida, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over 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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Salida. 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 in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Salida average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Salida homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Salida homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Salida, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $40,767 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,662 | 5.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $68,709 | 5.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $82,910 | 5.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $97,263 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $111,769 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $126,429 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $141,241 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Salida, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Salida?
The average cost of solar panels in Salida is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Salida?
You can't get solar panels for free in Salida. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Salida is currently $329,365, so you can expect a value of about $13,504 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Salida is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 install 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.