Solar Panel Cost Guide in Discovery Bay, CA (2024 Update)
- Discovery Bay Solar Installation Cost: $7,395
- 25-Year Savings: $20,513
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Discovery Bay
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Discovery Bay.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Discovery Bay typically cost around 3.The average solar panel system size in Discovery Bay is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,395 for a solar installation, or $10,575 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Discovery Bay homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Discovery Bay
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-5,857 |
3 years | $-2,781 |
5 years | $295 |
7 years | $3,371 |
9 years | $6,446 |
11 years | $9,522 |
13 years | $12,598 |
15 years | $15,674 |
17 years | $18,750 |
19 years | $21,825 |
21 years | $24,901 |
23 years | $27,977 |
25 years | $31,053 |
Top Solar Installers in Discovery Bay
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and know-how. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Discovery Bay
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Discovery Bay
There are several factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Discovery Bay average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Discovery Bay to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Discovery Bay homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Discovery Bay is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Discovery Bay have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $36,738 | 7.3 years |
8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $49,373 | 7.2 years |
10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $62,202 | 7.0 years |
12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $75,225 | 6.9 years |
14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $88,443 | 6.7 years |
16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $101,855 | 6.6 years |
18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $115,461 | 6.5 years |
20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $129,262 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
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 Discovery Bay, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Discovery Bay?
This is a difficult 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Discovery Bay?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Discovery Bay?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Discovery Bay?
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.