Solar Panel Cost Guide in Florence-Graham, CA (2024 Update)
- Florence-Graham Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $14,411
- Payback Period: 8.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Florence-Graham
We break down average solar pricing in Florence-Graham.
In Florence-Graham, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Florence-Graham, the average price of going solar will be about $6,920 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Florence-Graham based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the large initial cost, the average Florence-Graham homeowner can save around $26,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Florence-Graham for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Florence-Graham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,704 |
| 3 years | $-3,272 |
| 5 years | $-839 |
| 7 years | $1,593 |
| 9 years | $4,026 |
| 11 years | $6,458 |
| 13 years | $8,890 |
| 15 years | $11,323 |
| 17 years | $13,755 |
| 19 years | $16,188 |
| 21 years | $18,620 |
| 23 years | $21,053 |
| 25 years | $23,485 |
Top Solar Installers in Florence-Graham
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Florence-Graham:
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 Florence-Graham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Florence-Graham
There are several criteria 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Florence-Graham average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Florence-Graham provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact how much you pay. Florence-Graham’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Florence-Graham know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $26,657 | 9.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $35,932 | 8.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $45,401 | 8.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $55,064 | 8.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $64,921 | 8.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $74,973 | 8.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $85,219 | 8.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $95,659 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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.
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 Florence-Graham, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Florence-Graham?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Florence-Graham?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Florence-Graham?
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 utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Florence-Graham?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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.