Solar Panel Cost Guide in Colusa, CA (2024 Update)
- Colusa 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 Colusa
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Colusa.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Colusa typically cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Colusa is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,483 for a solar installation, or $10,701 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Colusa depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $32,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Colusa
| 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 Colusa
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of using a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Colusa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Colusa
The cost of installing a solar system in Colusa can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Colusa, 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 energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Colusa homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Colusa is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.
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
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Colusa, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Colusa?
The average cost of solar panels in Colusa 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 things like the kind 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 Colusa?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Colusa?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.