Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gardnerville Ranchos, NV (2024 Update)
- Gardnerville Ranchos Solar Installation Cost: $13,091
- 25-Year Savings: $19,283
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gardnerville Ranchos
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Gardnerville Ranchos.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gardnerville Ranchos, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $13,091 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Gardnerville Ranchos find going solar has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Gardnerville Ranchos, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gardnerville Ranchos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,920 |
| 3 years | $-9,577 |
| 5 years | $-7,234 |
| 7 years | $-4,892 |
| 9 years | $-2,549 |
| 11 years | $-206 |
| 13 years | $2,136 |
| 15 years | $4,479 |
| 17 years | $6,822 |
| 19 years | $9,164 |
| 21 years | $11,507 |
| 23 years | $13,850 |
| 25 years | $16,193 |
Top Solar Installers in Gardnerville Ranchos
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Gardnerville Ranchos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gardnerville Ranchos
There are several factors that can affect 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 panel systems 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 with better efficiency or power generation use 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 $3,080.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Gardnerville Ranchos, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Gardnerville Ranchos homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Gardnerville Ranchos homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Gardnerville Ranchos, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.20 | $13,453 | $16,184 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.14 | $17,593 | $21,924 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.08 | $21,560 | $27,836 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.02 | $25,355 | $33,921 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.96 | $28,977 | $40,178 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.90 | $32,426 | $46,608 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.83 | $35,703 | $53,210 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.77 | $38,808 | $59,985 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Gardnerville Ranchos, NV Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gardnerville Ranchos?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $15,400 for a 5-kW system and $30,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Gardnerville Ranchos?
On average, solar panels can last 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 amount 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.