Solar Panel Cost Guide in Susanville, CA (2023 Update)
- Susanville Solar Installation Cost: $6,039
- 25-Year Savings: $17,099
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Susanville
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Susanville.
In Susanville, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Susanville is around 3.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,039 for a solar installation, or $8,636 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Susanville depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. With typical savings of about $28,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Susanville find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Susanville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Susanville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,113 |
| 3 years | $-3,262 |
| 5 years | $-1,411 |
| 7 years | $440 |
| 9 years | $2,291 |
| 11 years | $4,142 |
| 13 years | $5,993 |
| 15 years | $7,844 |
| 17 years | $9,695 |
| 19 years | $11,546 |
| 21 years | $13,397 |
| 23 years | $15,248 |
| 25 years | $17,099 |
Top Solar Installers in Susanville
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Susanville:
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 Susanville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Susanville
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Susanville: 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Susanville to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk 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 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $32,029 | 6.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $43,011 | 6.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $54,145 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $65,433 | 6.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $76,874 | 6.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $88,467 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $100,214 | 6.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $112,113 | 5.9 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. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Susanville, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Susanville?
The average cost of solar panels in Susanville 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Susanville?
You can't get solar panels for free in Susanville. 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'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Susanville?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.