Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tara Hills, CA (2024 Update)

  • Tara Hills Solar Installation Cost: $7,395
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,513
  • Payback Period: 7.0 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 Tara Hills

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Tara Hills.

The average cost of a solar system in Tara Hills is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Tara Hills, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,395, or $10,575 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $33,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Tara Hills

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,857
3 years $-2,781
5 years $295
7 years $3,371
9 years $6,446
11 years $9,522
13 years $12,598
15 years $15,674
17 years $18,750
19 years $21,825
21 years $24,901
23 years $27,977
25 years $31,053

Top Solar Installers in Tara Hills

When going solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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 Tara Hills

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tara Hills

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Tara Hills: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require 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.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, 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 provided by most installers in Tara Hills, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Tara Hills, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 $36,738 7.3 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $49,373 7.2 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $62,202 7.0 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $75,225 6.9 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $88,443 6.7 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $101,855 6.6 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $115,461 6.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $129,262 6.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.

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 Tara Hills, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tara Hills?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Tara Hills?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Tara Hills?

Each state has some form 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 long do solar panels last in Tara Hills?

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 decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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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