Solar Panel Cost Guide in University of California-Davis, CA (2024 Update)
- University of California-Davis Solar Installation Cost: $7,476
- 25-Year Savings: $20,449
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in University of California-Davis
We break down average solar pricing in University of California-Davis.
In University of California-Davis, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in University of California-Davis, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,476, or $10,691 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in University of California-Davis based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $33,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in University of California-Davis
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,938 |
| 3 years | $-2,863 |
| 5 years | $213 |
| 7 years | $3,289 |
| 9 years | $6,365 |
| 11 years | $9,441 |
| 13 years | $12,516 |
| 15 years | $15,592 |
| 17 years | $18,668 |
| 19 years | $21,744 |
| 21 years | $24,820 |
| 23 years | $27,895 |
| 25 years | $30,971 |
Top Solar Installers in University of California-Davis
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 University of California-Davis
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in University of California-Davis
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in University of California-Davis: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in University of California-Davis, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the University of California-Davis average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in University of California-Davis have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for University of California-Davis homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk 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 discount 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 | $36,171 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,616 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,256 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,091 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,119 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,342 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,759 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,371 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 University of California-Davis, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in University of California-Davis?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in University of California-Davis?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 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.