Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salinas, CA (2024 Update)
- Salinas Solar Installation Cost: $7,050
- 25-Year Savings: $20,785
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salinas
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Salinas.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Salinas generally cost around 3.The average Salinas homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,050 with the federal tax credit, or $10,082 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $34,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Salinas for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Salinas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,512 |
| 3 years | $-2,436 |
| 5 years | $640 |
| 7 years | $3,715 |
| 9 years | $6,791 |
| 11 years | $9,867 |
| 13 years | $12,943 |
| 15 years | $16,019 |
| 17 years | $19,094 |
| 19 years | $22,170 |
| 21 years | $25,246 |
| 23 years | $28,322 |
| 25 years | $31,398 |
Top Solar Installers in Salinas
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Salinas, therefore optimizing your ROI.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
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 Salinas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salinas
There are many factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,470. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Salinas, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to include 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 cost more. 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $39,276 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $52,757 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $66,432 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $80,302 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $94,366 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $108,624 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $123,076 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $137,723 | 6.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Salinas, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
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 Salinas, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Salinas?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
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 how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.