Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alturas, FL (2024 Update)
- Alturas Solar Installation Cost: $12,358
- 25-Year Savings: $21,187
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alturas
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Alturas.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Alturas generally cost around 3.The average Alturas homeowner needs a 5.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,358 with the federal tax credit, or $17,672 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $22,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Alturas find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alturas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,583 |
| 3 years | $-7,034 |
| 5 years | $-3,484 |
| 7 years | $65 |
| 9 years | $3,615 |
| 11 years | $7,164 |
| 13 years | $10,714 |
| 15 years | $14,264 |
| 17 years | $17,813 |
| 19 years | $21,363 |
| 21 years | $24,912 |
| 23 years | $28,462 |
| 25 years | $32,011 |
Top Solar Installers in Alturas
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Alturas, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Alturas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alturas
For many Alturas homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Alturas, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major 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 increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,210.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.34 | $14,021 | $19,718 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $26,650 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $33,762 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $41,053 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $48,525 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $56,176 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $64,007 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $72,017 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Alturas, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Alturas, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alturas?
The average cost of solar panels in Alturas is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Alturas?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Alturas. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Alturas is currently $259,885, so you can expect a value of about $10,655 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Alturas is a worthwhile investment.
How long do solar panels last in Alturas?
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.