Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley Springs, CA (2023 Update)
- Valley Springs Solar Installation Cost: $5,835
- 25-Year Savings: $20,406
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley Springs
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Valley Springs.
The average cost of solar panels in Valley Springs is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $5,829 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Valley Springs based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Valley Springs for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Valley Springs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,297 |
| 3 years | $-1,221 |
| 5 years | $1,855 |
| 7 years | $4,931 |
| 9 years | $8,007 |
| 11 years | $11,082 |
| 13 years | $14,158 |
| 15 years | $17,234 |
| 17 years | $20,310 |
| 19 years | $23,386 |
| 21 years | $26,461 |
| 23 years | $29,537 |
| 25 years | $32,613 |
Top Solar Installers in Valley Springs
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Valley Springs, we've organized 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 Valley Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley Springs
There are many criteria 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 installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Valley Springs, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can play a part in determining how much you pay. Valley Springs' 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 decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $39,642 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,162 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,834 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,660 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $94,638 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,769 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $123,054 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $137,491 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Valley Springs, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Valley Springs?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind 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 reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Valley Springs is currently $330,000, so you can look forward to a value of about $13,530 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Valley Springs is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.