Solar Panel Cost Guide in Yuba City, CA (Mar 2023)
- Yuba City Solar Installation Cost: $5,924
- 25-Year Savings: $20,407
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Yuba City
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Yuba City.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Yuba City typically cost about 2.73. Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $5,924 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average Yuba City homeowner can save around $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Yuba City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,871 |
| 3 years | $-2,764 |
| 5 years | $-658 |
| 7 years | $1,449 |
| 9 years | $3,555 |
| 11 years | $5,662 |
| 13 years | $7,768 |
| 15 years | $9,874 |
| 17 years | $11,981 |
| 19 years | $14,087 |
| 21 years | $16,194 |
| 23 years | $18,300 |
| 25 years | $20,407 |
Top Solar Installers in Yuba City
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Yuba City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Yuba City
There are many factors that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need 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 kind 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Yuba City to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Yuba City is the company you choose 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. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $38,998 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,304 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $65,762 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $79,373 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $93,137 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $107,054 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $121,123 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $135,346 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Yuba City, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Yuba City, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Yuba City?
The average cost of solar panels in Yuba City 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Yuba City?
You can't get solar panels for free in Yuba City. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Yuba City, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Yuba City?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.