Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thermalito, CA (2025 Update)
- Thermalito Solar Installation Cost: $7,626
- 25-Year Savings: $20,331
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thermalito
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Thermalito.
In Thermalito, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Thermalito is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,626 for a solar installation, or $10,905 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $32,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Thermalito find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Thermalito, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Thermalito
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,088 |
| 3 years | $-3,013 |
| 5 years | $63 |
| 7 years | $3,139 |
| 9 years | $6,215 |
| 11 years | $9,291 |
| 13 years | $12,366 |
| 15 years | $15,442 |
| 17 years | $18,518 |
| 19 years | $21,594 |
| 21 years | $24,670 |
| 23 years | $27,745 |
| 25 years | $30,821 |
Top Solar Installers in Thermalito
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Another upside of going with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
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 Thermalito:
See all of the solar companies in Thermalito
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thermalito
There are several criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Thermalito, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Thermalito, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Thermalito’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $35,162 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,271 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $59,574 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $72,072 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $84,764 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $97,651 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $110,732 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $124,007 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
EcoWatch's Thermalito, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Thermalito?
The average cost of solar panels in Thermalito 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.