Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gardnerville Ranchos, NV (Mar 2023)
- Gardnerville Ranchos Solar Installation Cost: $10,707
- 25-Year Savings: $19,286
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gardnerville Ranchos
We go over average solar pricing in Gardnerville Ranchos.
The average cost of a solar system in Gardnerville Ranchos is 2.52 per watt. The average Gardnerville Ranchos homeowner needs a 6.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,707 with the federal tax credit, or $15,311 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Gardnerville Ranchos homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Gardnerville Ranchos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,508 |
| 3 years | $-7,108 |
| 5 years | $-4,709 |
| 7 years | $-2,309 |
| 9 years | $90 |
| 11 years | $2,490 |
| 13 years | $4,889 |
| 15 years | $7,289 |
| 17 years | $9,688 |
| 19 years | $12,088 |
| 21 years | $14,487 |
| 23 years | $16,887 |
| 25 years | $19,286 |
Top Solar Installers in Gardnerville Ranchos
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Gardnerville Ranchos can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,520 per kilowatt in Gardnerville Ranchos. 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. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Gardnerville Ranchos, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Gardnerville Ranchos, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.62 | $11,007 | $18,631 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.57 | $14,394 | $25,123 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.52 | $17,640 | $31,756 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.47 | $20,745 | $38,531 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.42 | $23,708 | $45,447 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.37 | $26,531 | $52,504 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.32 | $29,212 | $59,702 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.27 | $31,752 | $67,041 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company 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 EcoWatch.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,600 for a 5-kW system and $25,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Gardnerville Ranchos?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose 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."
What solar power system size is right for 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.