Solar Panel Cost Guide in Copperopolis, CA (2024 Update)
- Copperopolis Solar Installation Cost: $7,416
- 25-Year Savings: $20,406
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Copperopolis
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Copperopolis.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Copperopolis, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Copperopolis is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,416 for a solar installation, or $10,605 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Copperopolis homeowners see about $33,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Copperopolis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,878 |
| 3 years | $-2,802 |
| 5 years | $273 |
| 7 years | $3,349 |
| 9 years | $6,425 |
| 11 years | $9,501 |
| 13 years | $12,577 |
| 15 years | $15,652 |
| 17 years | $18,728 |
| 19 years | $21,804 |
| 21 years | $24,880 |
| 23 years | $27,956 |
| 25 years | $31,031 |
Top Solar Installers in Copperopolis
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar company in Copperopolis, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Copperopolis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Copperopolis
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Copperopolis: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Copperopolis homeowners decide 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 total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Copperopolis’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $36,410 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,935 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,654 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,568 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,676 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,979 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $114,475 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $128,167 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Copperopolis, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Copperopolis, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Copperopolis?
The average cost of solar panels in Copperopolis 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 certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Copperopolis?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Copperopolis. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Copperopolis?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.