Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vacaville, CA (2023 Update)
- Vacaville Solar Installation Cost: $5,833
- 25-Year Savings: $20,498
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vacaville
We break down average solar pricing in Vacaville.
In Vacaville, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Vacaville homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,829 with the federal tax credit, or $8,335 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember 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 system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the significant initial cost, the average Vacaville homeowner can save around $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Vacaville for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Vacaville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,745 |
| 3 years | $-5,570 |
| 5 years | $-5,394 |
| 7 years | $-5,218 |
| 9 years | $-5,043 |
| 11 years | $-4,867 |
| 13 years | $-4,692 |
| 15 years | $-4,516 |
| 17 years | $-4,341 |
| 19 years | $-4,165 |
| 21 years | $-3,990 |
| 23 years | $-3,814 |
| 25 years | $-3,639 |
Top Solar Installers in Vacaville
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Vacaville, we've put together 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
See all of the solar companies in Vacaville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vacaville
There are several factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Vacaville, one of the most important 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 electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Vacaville, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Vacaville homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Vacaville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 find a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $39,836 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,420 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,157 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $81,047 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $95,090 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $109,286 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $123,635 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $138,137 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Vacaville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Vacaville, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vacaville?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Vacaville?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Does Vacaville have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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 how much 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.