Solar Panel Cost Guide in Willits, CA (2024 Update)
- Willits Solar Installation Cost: $7,560
- 25-Year Savings: $20,384
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Willits
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Willits.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Willits it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Willits is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,560 for a solar installation, or $10,811 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Willits homeowner can save around $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Willits, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Willits
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,022 |
| 3 years | $-2,946 |
| 5 years | $130 |
| 7 years | $3,206 |
| 9 years | $6,282 |
| 11 years | $9,357 |
| 13 years | $12,433 |
| 15 years | $15,509 |
| 17 years | $18,585 |
| 19 years | $21,661 |
| 21 years | $24,736 |
| 23 years | $27,812 |
| 25 years | $30,888 |
Top Solar Installers in Willits
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance in the long run.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Willits
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Willits
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Willits: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Willits, 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Willits homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more 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 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 | $35,606 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,864 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $60,315 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $72,961 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $85,802 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $98,837 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $112,066 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $125,489 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer 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.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Willits, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Willits?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Willits?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Willits. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,692.11 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get 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.