Solar Panel Cost Guide in Strawberry, CA (2024 Update)
- Strawberry Solar Installation Cost: $7,653
- 25-Year Savings: $20,310
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Strawberry
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Strawberry.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Strawberry is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Strawberry is around 3.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,653 for a solar installation, or $10,944 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Strawberry can save about $32,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Strawberry
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,115 |
| 3 years | $-3,039 |
| 5 years | $37 |
| 7 years | $3,113 |
| 9 years | $6,188 |
| 11 years | $9,264 |
| 13 years | $12,340 |
| 15 years | $15,416 |
| 17 years | $18,492 |
| 19 years | $21,567 |
| 21 years | $24,643 |
| 23 years | $27,719 |
| 25 years | $30,795 |
Top Solar Installers in Strawberry
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Strawberry, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Strawberry
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Strawberry
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Strawberry: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Strawberry, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Strawberry, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Strawberry to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $34,988 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,039 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $59,285 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $71,724 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $84,359 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $97,187 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $110,210 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $123,427 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Strawberry, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Strawberry?
The average cost of solar panels in Strawberry 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Strawberry?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Strawberry, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Strawberry?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for 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.