Solar Panel Cost Guide in Truckee, CA (2024 Update)
- Truckee Solar Installation Cost: $7,488
- 25-Year Savings: $18,026
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Truckee
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Truckee.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Truckee typically cost around 3.Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Truckee, the average price of going solar will be about $7,488 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Truckee homeowner can save about $29,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Truckee that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Truckee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,950 |
| 3 years | $-2,875 |
| 5 years | $201 |
| 7 years | $3,277 |
| 9 years | $6,353 |
| 11 years | $9,429 |
| 13 years | $12,504 |
| 15 years | $15,580 |
| 17 years | $18,656 |
| 19 years | $21,732 |
| 21 years | $24,808 |
| 23 years | $27,883 |
| 25 years | $30,959 |
Top Solar Installers in Truckee
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Truckee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Truckee
The cost of installing a solar system in Truckee can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Truckee, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Truckee to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Truckee’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Truckee are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $31,392 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $42,245 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $53,292 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $64,533 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $75,969 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $87,599 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $99,423 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $111,441 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Truckee, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
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 Truckee, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Truckee?
This is a hard 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Truckee?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Truckee, 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 further reduce the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Truckee?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.