Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benicia, CA (2024 Update)
- Benicia Solar Installation Cost: $7,414
- 25-Year Savings: $20,498
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Benicia
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Benicia.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Benicia, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,414 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Benicia for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Benicia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,876 |
| 3 years | $-2,800 |
| 5 years | $276 |
| 7 years | $3,351 |
| 9 years | $6,427 |
| 11 years | $9,503 |
| 13 years | $12,579 |
| 15 years | $15,655 |
| 17 years | $18,730 |
| 19 years | $21,806 |
| 21 years | $24,882 |
| 23 years | $27,958 |
| 25 years | $31,034 |
Top Solar Installers in Benicia
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Benicia:
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 Benicia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Benicia
Though the average cost of a solar system in Benicia is $7,414, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a sizable 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 panel system in Benicia, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Benicia, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Benicia provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Benicia, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $36,603 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $49,193 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,977 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,956 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $88,128 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $101,495 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $115,057 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $128,813 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Benicia, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Benicia?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas 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.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Benicia, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.