Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rohnert Park, CA (2024 Update)

  • Rohnert Park Solar Installation Cost: $7,496
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,434
  • Payback Period: 7.1 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 Rohnert Park

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Rohnert Park.

In Rohnert Park, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Rohnert Park is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,496 for a solar installation, or $10,719 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Rohnert Park 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.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Rohnert Park can save around $32,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Rohnert Park

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,958
3 years $-2,882
5 years $194
7 years $3,269
9 years $6,345
11 years $9,421
13 years $12,497
15 years $15,573
17 years $18,648
19 years $21,724
21 years $24,800
23 years $27,876
25 years $30,952

Top Solar Installers in Rohnert Park

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and know-how. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:

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 Rohnert Park

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rohnert Park

For many Rohnert Park homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rohnert Park, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous 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 some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need 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.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Rohnert Park to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Rohnert Park homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Rohnert Park, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Rohnert Park know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 $36,037 7.4 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $48,438 7.3 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $61,033 7.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $73,822 7.0 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $86,806 6.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $99,984 6.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $113,357 6.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $126,924 6.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in Rohnert Park, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.

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 Rohnert Park, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Rohnert Park?

The average cost of solar panels in Rohnert Park is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

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 Rohnert Park is currently $687,777, so you can expect a value of about $28,199 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Rohnert Park is a rewarding investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size 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 generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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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