Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Andreas, CA (2023 Update)
- San Andreas Solar Installation Cost: $5,829
- 25-Year Savings: $20,502
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Andreas
See how much it might cost to go solar in San Andreas.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in San Andreas it's 2.73 per watt. The average San Andreas homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,829 with the federal tax credit, or $8,335 before the 30% 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 choose, your solar contractor and more. Despite the high initial cost, the average San Andreas homeowner can save about $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in San Andreas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,775 |
| 3 years | $-2,669 |
| 5 years | $-562 |
| 7 years | $1,544 |
| 9 years | $3,651 |
| 11 years | $5,757 |
| 13 years | $7,864 |
| 15 years | $9,970 |
| 17 years | $12,077 |
| 19 years | $14,183 |
| 21 years | $16,289 |
| 23 years | $18,396 |
| 25 years | $20,502 |
Top Solar Installers in San Andreas
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Another advantage of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in San Andreas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Andreas
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in San Andreas: 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 price of a solar energy system in San Andreas, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many San Andreas homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in San Andreas, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $39,820 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,400 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,132 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $81,017 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $95,054 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $109,245 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $123,589 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $138,085 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in San Andreas, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's San Andreas, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in San Andreas?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.