Solar Panel Cost Guide in Freedom, CA (2024 Update)

  • Freedom Solar Installation Cost: $7,464
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,459
  • Payback Period: 7.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Freedom

Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Freedom.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Freedom is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,464 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Freedom

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,926
3 years $-2,850
5 years $226
7 years $3,302
9 years $6,378
11 years $9,453
13 years $12,529
15 years $15,605
17 years $18,681
19 years $21,757
21 years $24,832
23 years $27,908
25 years $30,984

Top Solar Installers in Freedom

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Freedom

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Freedom

For many Freedom homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Freedom, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,470 per kilowatt in Freedom.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Freedom offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Freedom, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Freedom know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 $36,259 7.4 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $48,734 7.2 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $61,403 7.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $74,267 6.9 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $87,325 6.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $100,577 6.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $114,024 6.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $127,665 6.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Freedom, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Freedom?

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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Freedom?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Freedom, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Freedom, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.

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