Solar Panel Cost Guide in Yuba City, CA (2023 Update)
- Yuba City Solar Installation Cost: $5,929
- 25-Year Savings: $20,402
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Yuba City
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Yuba City.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Yuba City it's 2.73 per watt. Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Yuba City, the average price of going solar will be about $5,924 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Yuba City see about $32,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Yuba City for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Yuba City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,841 |
| 3 years | $-5,665 |
| 5 years | $-5,490 |
| 7 years | $-5,314 |
| 9 years | $-5,139 |
| 11 years | $-4,963 |
| 13 years | $-4,788 |
| 15 years | $-4,612 |
| 17 years | $-4,437 |
| 19 years | $-4,261 |
| 21 years | $-4,086 |
| 23 years | $-3,910 |
| 25 years | $-3,734 |
Top Solar Installers in Yuba City
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your home.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Yuba City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Yuba City
The cost of installing a solar system in Yuba City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need 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 brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Yuba City offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Yuba City, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 to choose from 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- 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.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Yuba City, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Yuba City?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Yuba City, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.