Solar Panel Cost Guide in Magalia, CA (2024 Update)
- Magalia Solar Installation Cost: $7,626
- 25-Year Savings: $20,331
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Magalia
We break down average solar pricing in Magalia.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Magalia generally cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,626 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 vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $32,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Magalia find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Magalia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,088 |
| 3 years | $-3,013 |
| 5 years | $63 |
| 7 years | $3,139 |
| 9 years | $6,215 |
| 11 years | $9,291 |
| 13 years | $12,366 |
| 15 years | $15,442 |
| 17 years | $18,518 |
| 19 years | $21,594 |
| 21 years | $24,670 |
| 23 years | $27,745 |
| 25 years | $30,821 |
Top Solar Installers in Magalia
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Magalia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Magalia
Though the average cost of a solar system in Magalia is $7,626, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,470. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Magalia, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Magalia homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Magalia, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $35,162 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,271 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $59,574 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $72,072 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $84,764 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $97,651 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $110,732 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $124,007 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past 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 Magalia, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Magalia?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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 higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Magalia?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Magalia, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for 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 Magalia?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher amount 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.