Solar Panel Cost Guide in Santa Rosa, CA (2023 Update)
- Santa Rosa Solar Installation Cost: $5,905
- 25-Year Savings: $20,426
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Santa Rosa
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Santa Rosa.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Santa Rosa is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Santa Rosa, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,905, or $8,444 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. With average savings of about $32,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Santa Rosa find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Santa Rosa that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Santa Rosa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,852 |
| 3 years | $-2,745 |
| 5 years | $-639 |
| 7 years | $1,468 |
| 9 years | $3,574 |
| 11 years | $5,681 |
| 13 years | $7,787 |
| 15 years | $9,894 |
| 17 years | $12,000 |
| 19 years | $14,107 |
| 21 years | $16,213 |
| 23 years | $18,320 |
| 25 years | $20,426 |
Top Solar Installers in Santa Rosa
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
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 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 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 Santa Rosa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Santa Rosa
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Santa Rosa is $5,905, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. 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 energy needs. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 over time on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Santa Rosa average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Santa Rosa homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to add 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 off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Santa Rosa's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $39,269 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,664 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,213 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $79,914 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $93,768 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $107,775 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $121,935 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,248 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences 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 system 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 the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Santa Rosa, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Santa Rosa?
The average cost of solar panels in Santa Rosa is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Santa Rosa?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Santa Rosa is currently $578,695, which means you can look forward to a value of about $23,726 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Santa Rosa is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 home 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.