Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gustine, CA (2024 Update)
- Gustine Solar Installation Cost: $7,197
- 25-Year Savings: $20,669
- Payback Period: 6.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gustine
We go over average solar pricing in Gustine.
In Gustine, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Gustine 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 true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Gustine based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Gustine homeowner can save about $34,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Gustine that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Gustine
| 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 Gustine
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and knowledge. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Gustine, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Gustine:
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 Gustine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gustine
While the average cost of a solar system in Gustine is $7,197, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,470. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Gustine 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 | $38,162 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $51,271 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $64,574 | 6.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $78,072 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $91,764 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $105,650 | 6.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $119,731 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $134,006 | 6.2 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. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Gustine, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gustine?
The average cost of solar panels in Gustine 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 things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Gustine?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Gustine, 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.
How long do solar panels last in Gustine?
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 choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.