Solar Panel Cost Guide in Palermo, CA (2024 Update)
- Palermo 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 Palermo
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Palermo.
In Palermo, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Palermo is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,626 for a solar installation, or $10,905 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Palermo can save around $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Palermo
| 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 Palermo
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Palermo, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Palermo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Palermo
There are several factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Palermo, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Palermo, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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 big investment. That’s why many Palermo homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Palermo, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically 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 additional 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
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Palermo, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Palermo?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Palermo is currently $236,003, which means you can expect a value of about $9,676 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Palermo is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level 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.