Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wheatland, CA (2024 Update)
- Wheatland Solar Installation Cost: $7,569
- 25-Year Savings: $20,376
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wheatland
See how much it might cost to go solar in Wheatland.
In Wheatland, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Wheatland, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,569, or $10,824 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Wheatland can save about $32,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Wheatland for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Wheatland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,031 |
| 3 years | $-2,955 |
| 5 years | $120 |
| 7 years | $3,196 |
| 9 years | $6,272 |
| 11 years | $9,348 |
| 13 years | $12,424 |
| 15 years | $15,499 |
| 17 years | $18,575 |
| 19 years | $21,651 |
| 21 years | $24,727 |
| 23 years | $27,803 |
| 25 years | $30,878 |
Top Solar Installers in Wheatland
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Wheatland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wheatland
For many Wheatland homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Wheatland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far 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 many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Wheatland homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Wheatland, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $35,543 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,779 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $60,209 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $72,834 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $85,653 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $98,667 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $111,875 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $125,277 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: A high-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 understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
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 Wheatland, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wheatland?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Wheatland?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Wheatland. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Wheatland is currently $445,264, which means you can look forward to a value of about $18,256 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Wheatland is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Wheatland?
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.