Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tracy, CA (Mar 2023)
- Tracy Solar Installation Cost: $5,790
- 25-Year Savings: $20,510
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tracy
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Tracy.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Tracy it's 2.73 per watt. The average Tracy homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,790 with the federal tax credit, or $8,280 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $33,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Tracy for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Tracy
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,738 |
| 3 years | $-2,634 |
| 5 years | $-530 |
| 7 years | $1,574 |
| 9 years | $3,678 |
| 11 years | $5,782 |
| 13 years | $7,886 |
| 15 years | $9,990 |
| 17 years | $12,094 |
| 19 years | $14,198 |
| 21 years | $16,302 |
| 23 years | $18,406 |
| 25 years | $20,510 |
Top Solar Installers in Tracy
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Another benefit of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of 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 near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Tracy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tracy
Cost is usually 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 Tracy: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss 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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Tracy. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Tracy, 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 more impactful. 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 Tracy to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Tracy homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Tracy is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 | $40,224 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,937 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,804 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $81,823 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $95,995 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $110,321 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $124,799 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $139,430 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Tracy, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Tracy?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Tracy have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.