Solar Panel Cost Guide in El Sobrante, CA (2024 Update)
- El Sobrante Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
- 25-Year Savings: $15,629
- Payback Period: 8.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in El Sobrante
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in El Sobrante.
In El Sobrante, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in El Sobrante, the average price of going solar will be about $6,803 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average El Sobrante homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $28,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in El Sobrante
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,619 |
| 3 years | $-3,249 |
| 5 years | $-880 |
| 7 years | $1,490 |
| 9 years | $3,859 |
| 11 years | $6,229 |
| 13 years | $8,598 |
| 15 years | $10,968 |
| 17 years | $13,337 |
| 19 years | $15,707 |
| 21 years | $18,076 |
| 23 years | $20,446 |
| 25 years | $22,815 |
Top Solar Installers in El Sobrante
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in El Sobrante, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Sobrante
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in El Sobrante
There are many 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in El Sobrante is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $29,790 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $40,109 | 8.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $50,622 | 8.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $61,329 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $72,231 | 7.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $83,326 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $94,617 | 7.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $106,101 | 7.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Sobrante, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in El Sobrante?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in El Sobrante?
Solar panels aren’t free in El Sobrante, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in El Sobrante?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in El Sobrante?
Although 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.