Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rocklin, CA (2024 Update)
- Rocklin Solar Installation Cost: $7,514
- 25-Year Savings: $19,520
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rocklin
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Rocklin.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Rocklin is 3 per watt.Because a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Rocklin, the average price of going solar will be about $7,514 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Rocklin homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $31,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Rocklin, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Rocklin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,976 |
| 3 years | $-2,900 |
| 5 years | $175 |
| 7 years | $3,251 |
| 9 years | $6,327 |
| 11 years | $9,403 |
| 13 years | $12,479 |
| 15 years | $15,554 |
| 17 years | $18,630 |
| 19 years | $21,706 |
| 21 years | $24,782 |
| 23 years | $27,858 |
| 25 years | $30,933 |
Top Solar Installers in Rocklin
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Rocklin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rocklin
While the average cost of a solar system in Rocklin is $7,514, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Rocklin, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Rocklin average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rocklin to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Rocklin homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $34,169 | 7.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $45,947 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $57,920 | 7.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $70,087 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $82,448 | 7.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $95,004 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $107,753 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $120,698 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Rocklin, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rocklin?
The average cost of solar panels in Rocklin 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 consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rocklin?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably 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% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 home 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.