Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pinole, CA (2024 Update)
- Pinole Solar Installation Cost: $7,395
- 25-Year Savings: $31,053
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pinole
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Pinole.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pinole generally cost around 3.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Pinole, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,395, or $10,575 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Pinole homeowner can save about $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pinole
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,857 |
| 3 years | $-2,781 |
| 5 years | $295 |
| 7 years | $3,371 |
| 9 years | $6,446 |
| 11 years | $9,522 |
| 13 years | $12,598 |
| 15 years | $15,674 |
| 17 years | $18,750 |
| 19 years | $21,825 |
| 21 years | $24,901 |
| 23 years | $27,977 |
| 25 years | $31,053 |
Top Solar Installers in Pinole
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Plus, if you aren’t sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Pinole
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pinole
While the average cost of a solar system in Pinole is $7,395, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,470. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Pinole homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Pinole, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up 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 | $36,738 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $49,373 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $62,202 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $75,225 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $88,443 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $101,855 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $115,461 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $129,262 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total 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 take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Pinole, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pinole?
The average cost of solar panels in Pinole 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Pinole?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Pinole is currently $745,604, so you can expect a value of about $30,570 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Pinole is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Pinole?
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 larger 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.