Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alum Rock, CA (2024 Update)

  • Alum Rock Solar Installation Cost: $7,249
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,628
  • Payback Period: 6.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alum Rock

Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Alum Rock.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Alum Rock it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Alum Rock is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,249 for a solar installation, or $10,366 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Alum Rock homeowner can save about $34,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Alum Rock

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,711
3 years $-2,635
5 years $441
7 years $3,517
9 years $6,592
11 years $9,668
13 years $12,744
15 years $15,820
17 years $18,896
19 years $21,971
21 years $25,047
23 years $28,123
25 years $31,199

Top Solar Installers in Alum Rock

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Alum Rock

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alum Rock

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Alum Rock: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Alum Rock.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Alum Rock provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to factor 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 how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.61 $15,157 $37,783 7.2 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $50,766 7.0 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $63,943 6.9 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $77,315 6.7 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $90,881 6.6 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $104,641 6.5 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $118,596 6.3 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $132,745 6.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Alum Rock, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alum Rock?

The average cost of solar panels in Alum Rock is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Alum Rock?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,764.67 per year.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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.

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