Solar Panel Cost Guide in Yreka, CA (2024 Update)

  • Yreka Solar Installation Cost: $7,844
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,194
  • Payback Period: 12.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

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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 Yreka

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Yreka.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Yreka it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Yreka is around 3.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,844 for a solar installation, or $11,217 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Yreka based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Yreka can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Yreka, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Yreka

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-7,116
3 years$-5,661
5 years$-4,207
7 years$-2,752
9 years$-1,297
11 years$158
13 years$1,613
15 years$3,067
17 years$4,522
19 years$5,977
21 years$7,432
23 years$8,887
25 years$10,342

Top Solar Installers in Yreka

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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 Yreka

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Yreka

While the average cost of a solar system in Yreka is $7,844, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Yreka, 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Yreka average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Yreka to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Yreka’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Yreka know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$15,24912.5 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$20,72112.2 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$26,38712.0 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$32,24711.7 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$38,30211.5 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$44,55111.3 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$50,99511.0 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$57,63210.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Yreka, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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 Yreka, CA Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Yreka?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 maximize your savings.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Yreka?

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 utility bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.