Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salida, CA (2023 Update)
- Salida Solar Installation Cost: $5,710
- 25-Year Savings: $20,530
- Payback Period: 5.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salida
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Salida.
In Salida, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Salida is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,714 for a solar installation, or $8,171 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Salida see about $33,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Salida
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,623 |
| 3 years | $-5,448 |
| 5 years | $-5,273 |
| 7 years | $-5,098 |
| 9 years | $-4,923 |
| 11 years | $-4,748 |
| 13 years | $-4,573 |
| 15 years | $-4,398 |
| 17 years | $-4,223 |
| 19 years | $-4,048 |
| 21 years | $-3,873 |
| 23 years | $-3,698 |
| 25 years | $-3,523 |
Top Solar Installers in Salida
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Salida:
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 Salida
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salida
The cost of installing a solar system in Salida can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
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. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Salida is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely 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 what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
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 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Salida?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as 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?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 household 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.
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.