Solar Panel Cost Guide in Placerville, CA (2024 Update)
- Placerville Solar Installation Cost: $7,493
- 25-Year Savings: $20,436
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Placerville
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Placerville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Placerville, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Placerville homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,493 with the federal tax credit, or $10,715 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Placerville can save around $32,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar company in Placerville, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Placerville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,955 |
| 3 years | $-2,879 |
| 5 years | $197 |
| 7 years | $3,272 |
| 9 years | $6,348 |
| 11 years | $9,424 |
| 13 years | $12,500 |
| 15 years | $15,576 |
| 17 years | $18,651 |
| 19 years | $21,727 |
| 21 years | $24,803 |
| 23 years | $27,879 |
| 25 years | $30,955 |
Top Solar Installers in Placerville
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Placerville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Placerville
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Placerville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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, your total will most likely increase by around $3,470. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Placerville, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Placerville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.When considering 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
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Placerville’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Placerville know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $36,057 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,465 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,067 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $73,864 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $86,854 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,039 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,419 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $126,992 | 6.4 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
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 Placerville, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Placerville?
The average cost of solar panels in Placerville 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Placerville?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Placerville. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Placerville have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.