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

  • Nuevo Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,417
  • Payback Period: 9.1 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

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Nuevo

We break down average solar pricing in Nuevo.

In Nuevo, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Nuevo homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,803 with the federal tax credit, or $9,728 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Nuevo can save about $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Nuevo that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Nuevo

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,619
3 years $-3,249
5 years $-880
7 years $1,490
9 years $3,859
11 years $6,229
13 years $8,598
15 years $10,968
17 years $13,337
19 years $15,707
21 years $18,076
23 years $20,446
25 years $22,815

Top Solar Installers in Nuevo

Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Nuevo:

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 Nuevo

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Nuevo

Though the average cost of a solar system in Nuevo is $6,803, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel 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. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Nuevo, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Nuevo homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Nuevo homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

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 $25,050 9.4 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $33,789 9.2 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $42,722 9.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $51,849 8.9 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $61,171 8.7 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $70,686 8.5 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $80,397 8.3 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $90,301 8.2 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 picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.

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 Nuevo, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Nuevo?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Nuevo?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Does Nuevo have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

Follow us