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

  • Sonora Solar Installation Cost: $7,331
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,564
  • 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Sonora

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sonora.

In Sonora, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Sonora, the average price of going solar will be about $7,331 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $33,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sonora find going solar can be quite rewarding.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

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

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.

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 Sonora

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sonora

For many Sonora homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to 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 a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in Sonora.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Sonora homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sonora is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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

The solar company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • 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.

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 Sonora, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing 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 stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Sonora?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Sonora. However, you may still be able to install 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.

How will having solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sonora is currently $412,766, which means you can look forward to a value of about $16,923 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sonora is a worthwhile investment.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 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.

Follow us