Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wheatland, CA (2023 Update)
- Wheatland Solar Installation Cost: $5,955
- 25-Year Savings: $20,376
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wheatland
We break down average solar pricing in Wheatland.
In Wheatland, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Wheatland homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,962 with the federal tax credit, or $8,526 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Wheatland can save around $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Wheatland for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Wheatland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,417 |
| 3 years | $-1,341 |
| 5 years | $1,735 |
| 7 years | $4,810 |
| 9 years | $7,886 |
| 11 years | $10,962 |
| 13 years | $14,038 |
| 15 years | $17,114 |
| 17 years | $20,189 |
| 19 years | $23,265 |
| 21 years | $26,341 |
| 23 years | $29,417 |
| 25 years | $32,493 |
Top Solar Installers in Wheatland
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Wheatland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wheatland
The cost of installing a solar system in Wheatland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. 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 come at a higher price 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Wheatland offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Wheatland homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Wheatland, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides 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 | $38,775 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,006 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $65,389 | 5.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $78,926 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $92,615 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $106,458 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $120,453 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $134,601 | 5.1 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Wheatland, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wheatland?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Wheatland?
You can't get solar panels for free in Wheatland. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Wheatland, 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 should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.