Solar Panel Cost Guide in Soledad, CA (Feb 2023)
- Soledad Solar Installation Cost: $5,542
- 25-Year Savings: $20,789
- Payback Period: 5.3 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Soledad
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Soledad.
The average cost of solar panels in Soledad is $3 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Soledad, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,542, or $4,101 after 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 energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $34,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Soledad
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,489 |
| 3 years | $-2,382 |
| 5 years | $-276 |
| 7 years | $1,831 |
| 9 years | $3,937 |
| 11 years | $6,044 |
| 13 years | $8,150 |
| 15 years | $10,257 |
| 17 years | $12,363 |
| 19 years | $14,470 |
| 21 years | $16,576 |
| 23 years | $18,683 |
| 25 years | $20,789 |
Top Solar Installers in Soledad
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
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 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 Soledad
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Soledad
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Soledad: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Soledad, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Soledad, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Soledad, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and 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 car 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 | $42,509 | 5.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $56,984 | 5.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $71,612 | 5.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $86,394 | 5.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $101,328 | 5.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $116,414 | 5.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $131,654 | 4.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $147,047 | 4.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Soledad, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Soledad, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Soledad?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Soledad?
You can't get solar panels for free in Soledad. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.