Solar Panel Cost Guide in Walnut Creek, OH (Mar 2023)
- Walnut Creek Solar Installation Cost: $13,798
- 25-Year Savings: $17,277
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Walnut Creek
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Walnut Creek.
In Walnut Creek, solar panels cost about 2.56 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Walnut Creek, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,798, or $19,731 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Walnut Creek can save about $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Walnut Creek, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Walnut Creek
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,555 |
| 3 years | $-10,069 |
| 5 years | $-7,583 |
| 7 years | $-5,097 |
| 9 years | $-2,611 |
| 11 years | $-125 |
| 13 years | $2,361 |
| 15 years | $4,847 |
| 17 years | $7,333 |
| 19 years | $9,819 |
| 21 years | $12,305 |
| 23 years | $14,791 |
| 25 years | $17,277 |
Top Solar Installers in Walnut Creek
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Walnut Creek
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Walnut Creek
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Walnut Creek: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
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 generation 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 $2,560. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Walnut Creek average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Walnut Creek homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Walnut Creek, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Walnut Creek are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.66 | $11,182 | $13,030 | 11.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $17,661 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $22,434 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $27,351 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $32,411 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $37,615 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $42,962 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $48,452 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When looking 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Walnut Creek, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Walnut Creek?
The average cost of solar panels in Walnut Creek is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 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 Walnut Creek?
You can't get solar panels for free in Walnut Creek. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Walnut Creek?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Walnut Creek?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.