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

  • Susanville Solar Installation Cost: $7,672
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,102
  • Payback Period: 8.3 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 Susanville

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Susanville.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Susanville it’s 3 per watt.The average Susanville homeowner needs a 3.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,672 with the federal tax credit, or $10,971 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $28,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Susanville find installing solar panels can pay off big.

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 $-6,134
3 years $-3,058
5 years $18
7 years $3,093
9 years $6,169
11 years $9,245
13 years $12,321
15 years $15,397
17 years $18,472
19 years $21,548
21 years $24,624
23 years $27,700
25 years $30,776

Top Solar Installers in Susanville

Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 Susanville

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Susanville

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Susanville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,470 per kilowatt in Susanville.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Susanville, 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 Susanville to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Susanville, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Susanville are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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 $28,796 8.6 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $38,784 8.5 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $48,965 8.3 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $59,342 8.1 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $69,912 8.0 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $80,677 7.8 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $91,636 7.6 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $102,789 7.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, 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:

  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.

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 Susanville, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Susanville?

The average cost of solar panels in Susanville is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,465.11 per year.

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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.

Follow us