Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sonora, CA (2025 Update)
- Sonora Solar Installation Cost: $7,331
- 25-Year Savings: $20,564
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sonora
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sonora.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sonora, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $7,331 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Sonora homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Sonora for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sonora
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-5,793 |
3 years | $-2,717 |
5 years | $359 |
7 years | $3,435 |
9 years | $6,511 |
11 years | $9,586 |
13 years | $12,662 |
15 years | $15,738 |
17 years | $18,814 |
19 years | $21,890 |
21 years | $24,965 |
23 years | $28,041 |
25 years | $31,117 |
Top Solar Installers in Sonora
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Sonora:
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
See all of the solar companies in Sonora
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sonora
For many Sonora homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sonora, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Sonora, one of the most crucial 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 gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Sonora, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Sonora have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $37,192 | 7.2 years |
8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $49,978 | 7.1 years |
10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $62,958 | 7.0 years |
12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $76,132 | 6.8 years |
14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $89,501 | 6.7 years |
16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $103,064 | 6.5 years |
18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $116,822 | 6.4 years |
20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $130,774 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Sonora, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sonora?
The average cost of solar panels in Sonora 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Sonora?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Sonora. 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.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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 household 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.