Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stockton, CA (2024 Update)
- Stockton Solar Installation Cost: $7,350
- 25-Year Savings: $20,530
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stockton
We go over average solar pricing in Stockton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Stockton it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $7,350 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Stockton depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the significant initial cost, the average Stockton homeowner can save around $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Stockton for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Stockton
| 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 Stockton
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and expertise. That's why most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Stockton, optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Stockton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stockton
There are many factors that can affect your 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
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in Stockton.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Stockton to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Stockton is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Some companies 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 find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $37,015 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $49,742 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $62,664 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $75,779 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $89,089 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $102,594 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $116,293 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $130,186 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
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 Stockton, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stockton?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Stockton have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.