Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dos Palos, CA (2024 Update)
- Dos Palos Solar Installation Cost: $7,197
- 25-Year Savings: $20,669
- Payback Period: 6.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dos Palos
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Dos Palos.
In Dos Palos, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Dos Palos, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,197, or $10,292 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $34,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dos Palos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,659 |
| 3 years | $-2,584 |
| 5 years | $492 |
| 7 years | $3,568 |
| 9 years | $6,644 |
| 11 years | $9,720 |
| 13 years | $12,795 |
| 15 years | $15,871 |
| 17 years | $18,947 |
| 19 years | $22,023 |
| 21 years | $25,099 |
| 23 years | $28,174 |
| 25 years | $31,250 |
Top Solar Installers in Dos Palos
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Dos Palos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dos Palos
For many Dos Palos homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Dos Palos, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,470. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Dos Palos, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Dos Palos’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’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 | $38,162 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $51,271 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $64,574 | 6.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $78,072 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $91,764 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $105,650 | 6.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $119,731 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $134,006 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 Dos Palos, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dos Palos?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Dos Palos?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Dos Palos?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.