Solar Panel Cost Guide in Templeton, CA (2024 Update)

  • Templeton Solar Installation Cost: $6,986
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,835
  • Payback Period: 6.6 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 Templeton

We break down average solar pricing in Templeton.

The average cost of a solar system in Templeton is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Templeton, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $6,986, or $9,990 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Templeton homeowner can save about $35,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

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

Solar savings over time in Templeton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,448
3 years $-2,372
5 years $704
7 years $3,780
9 years $6,855
11 years $9,931
13 years $13,007
15 years $16,083
17 years $19,159
19 years $22,234
21 years $25,310
23 years $28,386
25 years $31,462

Top Solar Installers in Templeton

Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Templeton, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Templeton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Templeton

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Templeton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,470 per kilowatt in Templeton.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 be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Templeton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Templeton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

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 $39,777 6.9 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $53,424 6.8 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $67,266 6.6 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $81,302 6.5 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $95,533 6.4 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $109,957 6.2 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $124,576 6.1 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $139,390 6.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Templeton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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 Templeton, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Templeton?

The average cost of solar panels in Templeton 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Templeton?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Is going solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

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 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 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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