Solar Panel Cost Guide in Franklin, CA (2024 Update)
- Franklin Solar Installation Cost: $7,197
- 25-Year Savings: $19,706
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Franklin
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Franklin.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Franklin, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Franklin is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,197 for a solar installation, or $10,292 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system 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 usually good, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Franklin
| 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 Franklin
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Franklin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Franklin
There are many factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial 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 want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Franklin offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can affect how much it costs. Franklin’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $36,212 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,671 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,325 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,172 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,215 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,451 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,882 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,507 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Franklin, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Franklin?
The average cost of solar panels in Franklin 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Franklin?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Franklin. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.