Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ripon, CA (2024 Update)
- Ripon Solar Installation Cost: $7,350
- 25-Year Savings: $20,457
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ripon
We break down average solar pricing in Ripon.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Ripon it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Ripon, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,350, or $10,510 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Ripon homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $33,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Ripon, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Ripon
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,812 |
| 3 years | $-2,737 |
| 5 years | $339 |
| 7 years | $3,415 |
| 9 years | $6,491 |
| 11 years | $9,567 |
| 13 years | $12,642 |
| 15 years | $15,718 |
| 17 years | $18,794 |
| 19 years | $21,870 |
| 21 years | $24,946 |
| 23 years | $28,021 |
| 25 years | $31,097 |
Top Solar Installers in Ripon
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer 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 take care of your solar installation project. 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 Ripon
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ripon
Though the average cost of a solar system in Ripon is $7,350, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in Ripon.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Ripon have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $36,871 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $49,550 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $62,424 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $75,491 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $88,753 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $102,210 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $115,861 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $129,706 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds 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, including:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project 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 Ripon, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ripon?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Ripon?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Ripon. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.