Solar Panel Cost Guide in Willits, CA (Mar 2023)
- Willits Solar Installation Cost: $5,943
- 25-Year Savings: $20,388
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Willits
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Willits.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Willits, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Willits, the average price of going solar will be about $5,943 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Willits see about $32,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Willits for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Willits
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,890 |
| 3 years | $-2,783 |
| 5 years | $-677 |
| 7 years | $1,429 |
| 9 years | $3,536 |
| 11 years | $5,642 |
| 13 years | $7,749 |
| 15 years | $9,855 |
| 17 years | $11,962 |
| 19 years | $14,068 |
| 21 years | $16,175 |
| 23 years | $18,281 |
| 25 years | $20,388 |
Top Solar Installers in Willits
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Willits, we've compiled 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 Willits
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Willits
For many Willits homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Willits, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Willits, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $38,839 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,091 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $65,495 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $79,053 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $92,764 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $106,627 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $120,644 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $134,813 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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 Willits, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Willits?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Willits?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Willits?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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.