Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rancho Calaveras, CA (2024 Update)

  • Rancho Calaveras Solar Installation Cost: $7,416
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,406
  • Payback Period: 7.1 Years

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By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Rancho Calaveras

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Rancho Calaveras.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rancho Calaveras it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Rancho Calaveras, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,416, or $10,605 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Rancho Calaveras homeowner can save about $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Rancho Calaveras

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,878
3 years $-2,802
5 years $273
7 years $3,349
9 years $6,425
11 years $9,501
13 years $12,577
15 years $15,652
17 years $18,728
19 years $21,804
21 years $24,880
23 years $27,956
25 years $31,031

Top Solar Installers in Rancho Calaveras

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 Rancho Calaveras

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rancho Calaveras

For many Rancho Calaveras homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rancho Calaveras, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rancho Calaveras to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Rancho Calaveras is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 $36,410 7.3 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $48,935 7.2 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $61,654 7.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $74,568 6.9 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $87,676 6.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $100,979 6.6 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $114,475 6.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $128,167 6.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Installation Process: Get details 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.

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 Rancho Calaveras, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rancho Calaveras?

The average cost of solar panels in Rancho Calaveras 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 stuff 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 Rancho Calaveras?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 get the most savings.

How will solar panels impact my property value?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Rancho Calaveras is currently $487,862, which means you can look forward to a value of about $20,002 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Rancho Calaveras is a worthwhile investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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