Solar Panel Cost Guide in Willows, CA (Mar 2023)
- Willows 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 Willows
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Willows.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Willows, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Willows, the average price of going solar will be about $5,943 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Willows based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Willows can save around $32,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Willows
| 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 Willows
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Willows, the EcoWatch team has 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 Willows
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Willows
The cost of installing a solar system in Willows can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment is 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 researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Willows homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Willows is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Willows are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $38,836 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,087 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $65,491 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $79,047 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $92,757 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $106,620 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $120,635 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $134,803 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type 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:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Willows, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Willows?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Willows?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 how much 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.