Solar Panel Cost Guide in Woodland, CA (2023 Update)
- Woodland Solar Installation Cost: $5,886
- 25-Year Savings: $19,295
- Payback Period: 5.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Woodland
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Woodland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Woodland it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Woodland is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,886 for a solar installation, or $8,417 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. With average savings of about $31,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Woodland find going solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Woodland, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Woodland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,879 |
| 3 years | $-2,864 |
| 5 years | $-850 |
| 7 years | $1,165 |
| 9 years | $3,179 |
| 11 years | $5,194 |
| 13 years | $7,208 |
| 15 years | $9,223 |
| 17 years | $11,237 |
| 19 years | $13,251 |
| 21 years | $15,266 |
| 23 years | $17,280 |
| 25 years | $19,295 |
Top Solar Installers in Woodland
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Woodland, we've 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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Woodland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Woodland
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Woodland: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require 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 type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Woodland to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Woodland is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $37,161 | 6.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $49,853 | 6.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $62,699 | 5.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $75,697 | 5.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $88,849 | 5.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $102,153 | 5.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $115,610 | 5.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $129,220 | 5.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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 EcoWatch.
- 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 substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Woodland, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Woodland?
The average cost of solar panels in Woodland 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Woodland?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 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.