Solar Panel Cost Guide in El Dorado Hills, CA (2024 Update)
- El Dorado Hills Solar Installation Cost: $7,493
- 25-Year Savings: $18,998
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in El Dorado Hills
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in El Dorado Hills.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in El Dorado Hills typically cost around 3.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in El Dorado Hills, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,493, or $10,715 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average El Dorado Hills homeowner can save around $31,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in El Dorado Hills for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in El Dorado Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,955 |
| 3 years | $-2,879 |
| 5 years | $197 |
| 7 years | $3,272 |
| 9 years | $6,348 |
| 11 years | $9,424 |
| 13 years | $12,500 |
| 15 years | $15,576 |
| 17 years | $18,651 |
| 19 years | $21,727 |
| 21 years | $24,803 |
| 23 years | $27,879 |
| 25 years | $30,955 |
Top Solar Installers in El Dorado Hills
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in El Dorado Hills, we've 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 El Dorado Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in El Dorado Hills
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in El Dorado Hills: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in El Dorado Hills.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the El Dorado Hills average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. El Dorado Hills’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $33,260 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $44,736 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $56,406 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $68,270 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $80,328 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $92,581 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $105,028 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $117,669 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in El Dorado Hills, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’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 part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion 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 El Dorado Hills, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in El Dorado Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in El Dorado Hills 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 stuff such as the model 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 El Dorado Hills?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 home 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.