Solar Panel Cost Guide in Exeter, CA (2024 Update)
- Exeter Solar Installation Cost: $7,187
- 25-Year Savings: $13,115
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Exeter
We go over average solar pricing in Exeter.
In Exeter, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $7,187 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Exeter homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Exeter see about $24,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Exeter for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Exeter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,002 |
| 3 years | $-3,633 |
| 5 years | $-1,263 |
| 7 years | $1,106 |
| 9 years | $3,476 |
| 11 years | $5,845 |
| 13 years | $8,215 |
| 15 years | $10,584 |
| 17 years | $12,954 |
| 19 years | $15,323 |
| 21 years | $17,693 |
| 23 years | $20,062 |
| 25 years | $22,432 |
Top Solar Installers in Exeter
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be challenging. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you're looking for a solar company in Exeter, 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 Exeter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Exeter
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Exeter: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require 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.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Exeter, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides 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 | $22,904 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $30,927 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $39,145 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $47,557 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $56,163 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $64,963 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $73,958 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $83,147 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign 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 Exeter, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Exeter?
The average cost of solar panels in Exeter 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going 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 Exeter?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in Exeter?
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 higher 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.