Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vincent, CA (Mar 2023)
- Vincent Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $13,566
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vincent
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Vincent.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Vincent, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Vincent, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,446, or $7,788 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Despite the large initial cost, the average Vincent homeowner can save around $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Vincent for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Vincent
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,686 |
| 3 years | $-3,165 |
| 5 years | $-1,644 |
| 7 years | $-123 |
| 9 years | $1,398 |
| 11 years | $2,919 |
| 13 years | $4,440 |
| 15 years | $5,961 |
| 17 years | $7,482 |
| 19 years | $9,003 |
| 21 years | $10,524 |
| 23 years | $12,045 |
| 25 years | $13,566 |
Top Solar Installers in Vincent
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Vincent
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vincent
There are a number of criteria that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Vincent. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than 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 looking into 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 offered by most installers in Vincent, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining the cost. Vincent's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the 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 | $28,114 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,791 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $47,621 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $57,604 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $67,740 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,028 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $88,470 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,064 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Vincent, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Vincent?
The average cost of solar panels in Vincent 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go 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 Vincent have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Vincent?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.