Solar Panel Cost Guide in Yuba City, CA (2024 Update)
- Yuba City Solar Installation Cost: $7,536
- 25-Year Savings: $20,402
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Yuba City
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Yuba City.
In Yuba City, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Yuba City is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,536 for a solar installation, or $10,776 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Yuba City homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Yuba City see about $32,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Yuba City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,998 |
| 3 years | $-2,922 |
| 5 years | $154 |
| 7 years | $3,230 |
| 9 years | $6,305 |
| 11 years | $9,381 |
| 13 years | $12,457 |
| 15 years | $15,533 |
| 17 years | $18,609 |
| 19 years | $21,684 |
| 21 years | $24,760 |
| 23 years | $27,836 |
| 25 years | $30,912 |
Top Solar Installers in Yuba City
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Yuba City, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Yuba City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Yuba City
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Yuba City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Yuba City, one of the most crucial 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 usage, 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.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Yuba City, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Yuba City homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Yuba City, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $35,766 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,077 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $60,582 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $73,281 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $86,175 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $99,263 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $112,545 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $126,022 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Yuba City, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Yuba City?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Yuba City?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.