Solar Panel Cost Guide in Saranap, CA (2024 Update)

  • Saranap Solar Installation Cost: $7,395
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,513
  • Payback Period: 7.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Saranap

We go over average solar pricing in Saranap.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Saranap, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $7,395 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Saranap homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $33,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Saranap find going solar can pay off big.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Saranap that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Saranap

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,857
3 years $-2,781
5 years $295
7 years $3,371
9 years $6,446
11 years $9,522
13 years $12,598
15 years $15,674
17 years $18,750
19 years $21,825
21 years $24,901
23 years $27,977
25 years $31,053

Top Solar Installers in Saranap

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Saranap

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Saranap

The cost of installing a solar system in Saranap can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.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 choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Saranap average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Saranap homeowners decide 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 total 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Saranap’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 $3.61 $15,157 $36,738 7.3 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $49,373 7.2 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $62,202 7.0 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $75,225 6.9 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $88,443 6.7 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $101,855 6.6 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $115,461 6.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $129,262 6.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Saranap, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Saranap?

The average cost of solar panels in Saranap is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Saranap?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 option if you want to get the most savings.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Saranap?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.

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