Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Sacramento, CA (Mar 2023)
- West Sacramento Solar Installation Cost: $5,886
- 25-Year Savings: $19,295
- Payback Period: 5.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Sacramento
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in West Sacramento.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Sacramento it's 2.73 per watt. Because a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in West Sacramento, the average price of going solar will be about $5,886 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average West Sacramento homeowners see about $31,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in West Sacramento that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Sacramento
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,879 |
| 3 years | $-2,864 |
| 5 years | $-850 |
| 7 years | $1,165 |
| 9 years | $3,179 |
| 11 years | $5,194 |
| 13 years | $7,208 |
| 15 years | $9,223 |
| 17 years | $11,237 |
| 19 years | $13,251 |
| 21 years | $15,266 |
| 23 years | $17,280 |
| 25 years | $19,295 |
Top Solar Installers in West Sacramento
When going solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in West Sacramento:
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 West Sacramento
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Sacramento
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in West Sacramento: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Sacramento to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for West Sacramento homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. 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
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in West Sacramento is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $37,161 | 6.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $49,853 | 6.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $62,699 | 5.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $75,697 | 5.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $88,849 | 5.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $102,153 | 5.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $115,610 | 5.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $129,220 | 5.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 West Sacramento, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Sacramento?
The average cost of solar panels in West Sacramento is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Sacramento?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does West Sacramento have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 install 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.