Solar Panel Cost Guide in Woodcrest, CA (Mar 2023)
- Woodcrest Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $15,210
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Woodcrest
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Woodcrest.
In Woodcrest, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Woodcrest, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,351, or $7,652 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Woodcrest can save around $28,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Woodcrest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,528 |
| 3 years | $-2,883 |
| 5 years | $-1,239 |
| 7 years | $406 |
| 9 years | $2,051 |
| 11 years | $3,696 |
| 13 years | $5,341 |
| 15 years | $6,986 |
| 17 years | $8,631 |
| 19 years | $10,276 |
| 21 years | $11,920 |
| 23 years | $13,565 |
| 25 years | $15,210 |
Top Solar Installers in Woodcrest
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Woodcrest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Woodcrest
For many Woodcrest homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Woodcrest, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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
Most solar companies in Woodcrest provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Woodcrest, you'll have lots 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 because of 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 size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $32,121 | 6.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $43,133 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $54,299 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $65,617 | 6.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $77,089 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $88,713 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $100,490 | 6.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $112,420 | 5.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Woodcrest, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Woodcrest?
The average cost of solar panels in Woodcrest is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Woodcrest?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Woodcrest?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.