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

  • Vineyard Solar Installation Cost: $7,491
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,686
  • Payback Period: 9.1 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 Vineyard

We go over average solar pricing in Vineyard.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Vineyard it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Vineyard, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,491, or $10,712 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Vineyard for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Vineyard

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-6,497
3 years $-4,510
5 years $-2,522
7 years $-535
9 years $1,453
11 years $3,440
13 years $5,428
15 years $7,415
17 years $9,402
19 years $11,390
21 years $13,377
23 years $15,365
25 years $17,352

Top Solar Installers in Vineyard

Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be hard. Another benefit of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Vineyard

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vineyard

For many Vineyard homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Vineyard, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Vineyard, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Vineyard to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.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 can only 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and better 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 lower to compete with bigger companies.

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 $24,880 9.5 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $33,562 9.3 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $42,438 9.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $51,509 8.9 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $60,774 8.7 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $70,233 8.6 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $79,887 8.4 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $89,735 8.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

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

  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.

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 Vineyard, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vineyard?

The average cost of solar panels in Vineyard is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider apart from 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 Vineyard have a net metering program?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces 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?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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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