Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vacaville, CA (Mar 2023)
- Vacaville Solar Installation Cost: $5,829
- 25-Year Savings: $20,502
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vacaville
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Vacaville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Vacaville, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Because a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Vacaville, the average price of going solar will be about $5,829 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Vacaville homeowner can save around $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Vacaville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vacaville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,775 |
| 3 years | $-2,669 |
| 5 years | $-562 |
| 7 years | $1,544 |
| 9 years | $3,651 |
| 11 years | $5,757 |
| 13 years | $7,864 |
| 15 years | $9,970 |
| 17 years | $12,077 |
| 19 years | $14,183 |
| 21 years | $16,289 |
| 23 years | $18,396 |
| 25 years | $20,502 |
Top Solar Installers in Vacaville
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar 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 Vacaville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vacaville
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Vacaville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price 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 mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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 looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Vacaville have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Vacaville homeowners, they can also add to 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
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
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 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.