Solar Panel Cost Guide in Del Monte Forest, CA (2024 Update)
- Del Monte Forest Solar Installation Cost: $7,050
- 25-Year Savings: $20,785
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Del Monte Forest
We break down average solar pricing in Del Monte Forest.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Del Monte Forest generally cost about 3.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Del Monte Forest, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,050, or $10,082 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Del Monte Forest depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $34,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Del Monte Forest for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Del Monte Forest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,512 |
| 3 years | $-2,436 |
| 5 years | $640 |
| 7 years | $3,715 |
| 9 years | $6,791 |
| 11 years | $9,867 |
| 13 years | $12,943 |
| 15 years | $16,019 |
| 17 years | $19,094 |
| 19 years | $22,170 |
| 21 years | $25,246 |
| 23 years | $28,322 |
| 25 years | $31,398 |
Top Solar Installers in Del Monte Forest
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're searching for a solar company in Del Monte Forest, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Del Monte Forest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Del Monte Forest
Though the average cost of a solar system in Del Monte Forest is $7,050, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, 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 significant investment. That’s why many Del Monte Forest homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a 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 | $39,276 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $52,757 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $66,432 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $80,302 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $94,366 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $108,624 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $123,076 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $137,723 | 6.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- 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 like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Del Monte Forest, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Del Monte Forest?
The average cost of solar panels in Del Monte Forest 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Del Monte Forest?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can 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.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.