Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arbuckle, CA (2024 Update)
- Arbuckle Solar Installation Cost: $7,483
- 25-Year Savings: $20,444
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arbuckle
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Arbuckle.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Arbuckle generally cost about 3.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,483 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Arbuckle based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Arbuckle homeowner can save about $32,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Arbuckle for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Arbuckle
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,945 |
| 3 years | $-2,870 |
| 5 years | $206 |
| 7 years | $3,282 |
| 9 years | $6,358 |
| 11 years | $9,434 |
| 13 years | $12,509 |
| 15 years | $15,585 |
| 17 years | $18,661 |
| 19 years | $21,737 |
| 21 years | $24,813 |
| 23 years | $27,888 |
| 25 years | $30,964 |
Top Solar Installers in Arbuckle
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another advantage of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Arbuckle
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arbuckle
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Arbuckle: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,470. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Arbuckle, 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 utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Arbuckle homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Arbuckle 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 make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Arbuckle, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Arbuckle have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $36,123 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,553 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,177 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $73,995 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,008 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,215 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,616 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,211 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- 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 component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Arbuckle, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arbuckle?
The average cost of solar panels in Arbuckle is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Arbuckle?
Solar panels aren’t free in Arbuckle, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 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.