Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vallejo, CA (2023 Update)

  • Vallejo Solar Installation Cost: $5,829
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,502
  • Payback Period: 5.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vallejo

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Vallejo.

The average cost of solar panels in Vallejo is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Vallejo, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,829, or $8,335 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Vallejo depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Vallejo for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Vallejo

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 Vallejo

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar power, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.

If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Vallejo:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Vallejo

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vallejo

For many Vallejo homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Vallejo, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Vallejo homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Vallejo, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, 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 $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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • 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 large role in the company you hire.
  • Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Vallejo, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vallejo?

The average cost of solar panels in Vallejo 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost 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 areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Does Vallejo have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 buy 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.

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