Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valley Springs, CA (2024 Update)
- Valley Springs Solar Installation Cost: $7,416
- 25-Year Savings: $20,406
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valley Springs
We break down average solar pricing in Valley Springs.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Valley Springs typically cost about 3.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Valley Springs, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,416, or $10,605 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With typical savings of about $33,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Valley Springs find installing solar panels can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Valley Springs
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-5,878 |
3 years | $-2,802 |
5 years | $273 |
7 years | $3,349 |
9 years | $6,425 |
11 years | $9,501 |
13 years | $12,577 |
15 years | $15,652 |
17 years | $18,728 |
19 years | $21,804 |
21 years | $24,880 |
23 years | $27,956 |
25 years | $31,031 |
Top Solar Installers in Valley Springs
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Valley Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valley Springs
While the average cost of a solar system in Valley Springs is $7,416, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Valley Springs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Valley Springs, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Valley Springs, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Valley Springs 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
The solar panel installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $36,410 | 7.3 years |
8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,935 | 7.2 years |
10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,654 | 7.1 years |
12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,568 | 6.9 years |
14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,676 | 6.8 years |
16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,979 | 6.6 years |
18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $114,475 | 6.5 years |
20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $128,167 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Valley Springs, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Valley Springs?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Valley Springs, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 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.