Solar Panel Cost Guide in Waterford, CA (2023 Update)
- Waterford Solar Installation Cost: $5,714
- 25-Year Savings: $19,822
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Waterford
We break down average solar pricing in Waterford.
In Waterford, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Waterford, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,714, or $8,171 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Waterford homeowners see about $32,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in Waterford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Waterford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,692 |
| 3 years | $-2,650 |
| 5 years | $-607 |
| 7 years | $1,436 |
| 9 years | $3,479 |
| 11 years | $5,522 |
| 13 years | $7,565 |
| 15 years | $9,608 |
| 17 years | $11,651 |
| 19 years | $13,694 |
| 21 years | $15,737 |
| 23 years | $17,779 |
| 25 years | $19,822 |
Top Solar Installers in Waterford
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Waterford, we've put together 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
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 Waterford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Waterford
The cost of installing a solar system in Waterford can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $39,354 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,777 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,354 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,083 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $93,965 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,000 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $122,188 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,529 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Contract: It's important to read 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.
- 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 good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. 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
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 Waterford, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Waterford?
The average cost of solar panels in Waterford 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Waterford?
A solar panel system isn't free in Waterford, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Does Waterford have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation 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.
How long do solar panels last in Waterford?
Though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.