Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sunnyside, CA (2023 Update)
- Sunnyside Solar Installation Cost: $5,695
- 25-Year Savings: $20,636
- Payback Period: 5.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sunnyside
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Sunnyside.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sunnyside, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. The average Sunnyside homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,695 with the federal tax credit, or $8,144 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Sunnyside homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $34,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Sunnyside, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sunnyside
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,642 |
| 3 years | $-2,535 |
| 5 years | $-429 |
| 7 years | $1,678 |
| 9 years | $3,784 |
| 11 years | $5,891 |
| 13 years | $7,997 |
| 15 years | $10,104 |
| 17 years | $12,210 |
| 19 years | $14,317 |
| 21 years | $16,423 |
| 23 years | $18,530 |
| 25 years | $20,636 |
Top Solar Installers in Sunnyside
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Sunnyside
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sunnyside
For many Sunnyside homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sunnyside, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Sunnyside, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $41,120 | 5.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $55,133 | 5.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $69,299 | 5.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $83,617 | 5.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $98,088 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $112,712 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $127,489 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $142,419 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Sunnyside, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sunnyside?
The average cost of solar panels in Sunnyside is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 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 use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Sunnyside, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.