Solar Panel Cost Guide in Truckee, CA (Mar 2023)
- Truckee Solar Installation Cost: $5,886
- 25-Year Savings: $18,032
- Payback Period: 6.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Truckee
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Truckee.
In Truckee, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Truckee is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,886 for a solar installation, or $8,417 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Truckee homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $29,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Truckee find investing in solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Truckee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,929 |
| 3 years | $-3,016 |
| 5 years | $-1,102 |
| 7 years | $811 |
| 9 years | $2,724 |
| 11 years | $4,638 |
| 13 years | $6,551 |
| 15 years | $8,465 |
| 17 years | $10,378 |
| 19 years | $12,291 |
| 21 years | $14,205 |
| 23 years | $16,118 |
| 25 years | $18,032 |
Top Solar Installers in Truckee
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Truckee, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Truckee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Truckee
There are many criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Truckee, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Truckee homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Truckee homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Truckee's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $34,624 | 6.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $46,472 | 6.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $58,472 | 6.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $70,625 | 6.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $82,931 | 5.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $95,389 | 5.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $108,001 | 5.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $120,765 | 5.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Truckee, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
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 Truckee, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Truckee?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Truckee?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.