Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cloverdale, CA (2024 Update)

  • Cloverdale Solar Installation Cost: $7,496
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,434
  • Payback Period: 7.1 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 Cloverdale

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Cloverdale.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cloverdale, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Cloverdale, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,496, or $10,719 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $32,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Cloverdale find going solar can be quite rewarding.

To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Cloverdale, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Cloverdale

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,958
3 years $-2,882
5 years $194
7 years $3,269
9 years $6,345
11 years $9,421
13 years $12,497
15 years $15,573
17 years $18,648
19 years $21,724
21 years $24,800
23 years $27,876
25 years $30,952

Top Solar Installers in Cloverdale

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing 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 Cloverdale

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cloverdale

For many Cloverdale homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cloverdale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Cloverdale, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Cloverdale average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Cloverdale, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Cloverdale homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Cloverdale is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $36,037 7.4 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $48,438 7.3 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $61,033 7.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $73,822 7.0 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $86,806 6.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $99,984 6.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $113,357 6.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $126,924 6.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in Cloverdale, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
  • Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.

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 Cloverdale, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cloverdale?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Cloverdale?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Cloverdale, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Cloverdale?

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 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.

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