Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pittsburg, CA (2024 Update)
- Pittsburg Solar Installation Cost: $7,395
- 25-Year Savings: $20,513
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pittsburg
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Pittsburg.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Pittsburg it’s 3 per watt.Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Pittsburg, the average price of going solar will be about $7,395 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Pittsburg can save about $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pittsburg
| 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 Pittsburg
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Pittsburg
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pittsburg
While the average cost of a solar system in Pittsburg is $7,395, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Pittsburg, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Pittsburg to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Pittsburg homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Pittsburg, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Pittsburg, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pittsburg?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about 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.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.