Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ukiah, CA (2023 Update)
- Ukiah Solar Installation Cost: $5,947
- 25-Year Savings: $18,250
- Payback Period: 6.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ukiah
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ukiah.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ukiah it's 2.73 per watt. Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Ukiah, the average price of going solar will be about $5,943 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $30,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Ukiah find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Ukiah for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Ukiah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,409 |
| 3 years | $-1,334 |
| 5 years | $1,742 |
| 7 years | $4,818 |
| 9 years | $7,894 |
| 11 years | $10,969 |
| 13 years | $14,045 |
| 15 years | $17,121 |
| 17 years | $20,197 |
| 19 years | $23,273 |
| 21 years | $26,348 |
| 23 years | $29,424 |
| 25 years | $32,500 |
Top Solar Installers in Ukiah
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
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
See all of the solar companies in Ukiah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ukiah
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Ukiah: 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Ukiah, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Ukiah average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ukiah to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ukiah is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $34,726 | 6.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $46,607 | 6.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $58,641 | 6.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $70,827 | 6.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $83,167 | 5.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $95,660 | 5.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $108,305 | 5.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $121,103 | 5.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Ukiah, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ukiah?
The average cost of solar panels in Ukiah is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Ukiah?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Ukiah?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 higher 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.