Solar Panel Cost Guide in Salida, CA (2024 Update)
- Salida Solar Installation Cost: $7,258
- 25-Year Savings: $20,530
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Salida
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Salida.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Salida is 3 per watt.Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Salida, the average price of going solar will be about $7,258 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Salida based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Salida can save about $33,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Salida, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Salida
| 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 Salida
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Salida, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Salida
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Salida
The cost of installing a solar system in Salida can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key 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 raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Salida, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Salida provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Salida, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $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
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
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 Salida, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Salida?
The average cost of solar panels in Salida 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Salida?
Solar panels aren’t free in Salida, 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 can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Salida, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out 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 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.