Solar Panel Cost Guide in Riverbank, CA (2024 Update)

  • Riverbank Solar Installation Cost: $7,258
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,530
  • Payback Period: 6.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

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 Riverbank

See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Riverbank.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Riverbank typically cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $7,258 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.With average savings of about $33,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Riverbank find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Riverbank for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Riverbank

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,720
3 years $-2,644
5 years $432
7 years $3,508
9 years $6,583
11 years $9,659
13 years $12,735
15 years $15,811
17 years $18,887
19 years $21,962
21 years $25,038
23 years $28,114
25 years $31,190

Top Solar Installers in Riverbank

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Riverbank

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Riverbank

There are many criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,470. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Riverbank, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Riverbank, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price 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 choose a company that offers 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 $37,535 7.2 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $50,435 7.1 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $63,529 6.9 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $76,818 6.8 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $90,301 6.6 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $103,979 6.5 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $117,851 6.4 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $131,917 6.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While 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 options before deciding.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating 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.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.

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 Riverbank, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Riverbank?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Riverbank?

Solar panels aren’t free in Riverbank, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

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 Riverbank is currently $460,514, which means you can expect a value of about $18,881 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Riverbank is a fruitful investment.

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 should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.

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