Solar Panel Cost Guide in Windsor, CA (2025 Update)

  • Windsor Solar Installation Cost: $7,496
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,293
  • Payback Period: 7.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Windsor

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Windsor.

The average cost of a solar system in Windsor is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Windsor, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,496, or $10,719 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 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 multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Windsor can save about $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Windsor

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-5,958
3 years$-2,882
5 years$194
7 years$3,269
9 years$6,345
11 years$9,421
13 years$12,497
15 years$15,573
17 years$18,648
19 years$21,724
21 years$24,800
23 years$27,876
25 years$30,952

Top Solar Installers in Windsor

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Windsor, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Windsor

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Windsor

There are a number of factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Windsor average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Windsor, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$35,7647.4 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$48,0747.3 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$60,5787.2 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$73,2767.0 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$86,1696.9 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$99,2566.7 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$112,5386.6 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$126,0146.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Windsor, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Windsor?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality 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 cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Windsor?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Windsor. 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 rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,697.36 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 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.