Solar Panel Cost Guide in Walnut Creek, OH (2024 Update)
- Walnut Creek Solar Installation Cost: $18,381
- 25-Year Savings: $17,276
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Walnut Creek
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Walnut Creek.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Walnut Creek it’s 3 per watt.Because a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Walnut Creek, the average price of going solar will be about $18,381 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $15,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Walnut Creek find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Walnut Creek that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Walnut Creek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,077 |
| 3 years | $-14,469 |
| 5 years | $-11,861 |
| 7 years | $-9,253 |
| 9 years | $-6,645 |
| 11 years | $-4,037 |
| 13 years | $-1,428 |
| 15 years | $1,180 |
| 17 years | $3,788 |
| 19 years | $6,396 |
| 21 years | $9,004 |
| 23 years | $11,612 |
| 25 years | $14,220 |
Top Solar Installers in Walnut Creek
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Walnut Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Walnut Creek
Although the average cost of a solar system in Walnut Creek is $18,381, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require 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 $3,410.The brand and type 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 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Walnut Creek, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $9,318 | 15.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $12,805 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $16,484 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $20,354 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $24,415 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $28,666 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $33,109 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $37,742 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Walnut Creek, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Walnut Creek?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Walnut Creek?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Walnut Creek. 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 the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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 household 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.