Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arcata, CA (2024 Update)
- Arcata Solar Installation Cost: $7,877
- 25-Year Savings: $30,571
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arcata
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Arcata.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Arcata typically cost around 3.The average solar panel system size in Arcata is around 3.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,877 for a solar installation, or $11,264 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Arcata depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $31,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Arcata that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Arcata
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,339 |
| 3 years | $-3,263 |
| 5 years | $-187 |
| 7 years | $2,888 |
| 9 years | $5,964 |
| 11 years | $9,040 |
| 13 years | $12,116 |
| 15 years | $15,192 |
| 17 years | $18,267 |
| 19 years | $21,343 |
| 21 years | $24,419 |
| 23 years | $27,495 |
| 25 years | $30,571 |
Top Solar Installers in Arcata
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Another upside of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Arcata
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arcata
Although the average cost of a solar system in Arcata is $7,877, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Arcata, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
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 Arcata homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s a good idea to include 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice 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 larger 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 | $33,561 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $45,137 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $56,907 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $68,871 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $81,030 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $93,382 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $105,930 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $118,671 | 6.7 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 choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Arcata, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Arcata?
The average cost of solar panels in Arcata 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 consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Arcata is currently $514,469, which means you can look forward to a value of about $21,093 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Arcata is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Arcata?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.