Solar costs
Cost of Solar Installation in California
The upfront cost of installing solar panels varies based on system size, roof structure, and installer rates. Below is an overview of average installation costs for different system sizes in California.
$2.31
$2.31
$2.31
$2.31
$2.31
$9,240
$11,570
$13,890
$18,480
$23,100
$6,468
$8,099
$9,723
$12,936
$16,170
Average Cost per Watt
System Size
Estimated Cost (After 30% Tax Credit)
Estimated Cost (Before Incentives)
The following expenses are included:
Solar PV panels or PV cells (including those used to power an attic fan, but not the fan itself)
Contractor labor costs for onsite preparation, assembly, or original installation, including permitting fees, inspection costs, and developer fees
Balance-of-system equipment, including wiring, inverters, and mounting equipment
Sales taxes on eligible expenses
30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT
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30% FEDERAL TAX CREDIT -
The Federal Government currently offers a 30% tax credit for the entire cost of your system, installation included. That’s a HUGE savings on your solar installation!
California offers several incentives to reduce the cost of solar installations.
Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC): Homeowners can claim 30% of the system’s installation cost as a tax credit.
California State Incentives: Programs like the Disadvantaged Communities – Single-family Affordable Solar Housing (DAC-SASH) offer up to $3 per watt for eligible low-income households.
The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) also provides rebates for battery storage systems.
Financial Incentives and Tax Credits
Time is running out on solar tax credits.
Call us today and we’ll work hard to maximize your state and federal incentives while there’s still time.
up to $6,000 Energy Trust Incentive
Generous state and federal incentives can greatly decrease the cost of going solar and provide a huge boost to your long-term solar savings.
These incentives can significantly lower the net cost of solar, making it more accessible for homeowners across California.
Below is a table summarizing the average impact of these incentives on installation costs:
Incentive Type
Federal Solar Tax Credit (30%)
DAC-SASH (Low-Income Program)
Self-Generation Incentive Program
Description
Reduces installation cost by 30%
Provides $3 per watt for eligible households
Rebates for battery storage based on system size
Average Savings
$3,470 (for 5 kW)
Up to $15,000
Varies, up to 100%
Due to California’s high electricity rates, switching to solar can lead to considerable savings on utility bills. Here’s an estimate of annual and 25-year savings for various system sizes:
Savings
System Size
Average Annual Savings
Estimated 25-Year Savings (With Utility Rate Increases)
$30,000
$37,500
$45,000
$60,000
$75,000
$1,200
$1,500
$1,800
$2,400
$3,000
Assumptions: Based on California’s average electricity rate of $0.30 per kWh and a 2-3% annual rate increase.
solar Pays for itself over time
Greatly reduce or eliminate your monthly energy bills with solar. Instead of renting your energy, invest in huge long-term savings.
Environmental Impact
Switching to solar isn’t just about saving money; it’s also a major step towards sustainability. The average 5 kW solar system in California offsets about 4,200 pounds of CO₂ emissions per year, equivalent to planting roughly 50 trees annually. (source)
3,360 lbs
4,200 lbs
5,040 lbs
6,720 lbs
8,400 lbs
$30,000
$37,500
$45,000
$60,000
$75,000
Equivalent Trees Planted
System Size
Annual CO₂ Offset
For environmentally conscious homeowners, solar is an impactful choice that contributes directly to California’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2045.
Need a new roof?
If your Roof requires repairs or replacement, now is the best time to consider solar.
We have several programs available that can provide up to $1,000 to assist with those necessary upgrades. This is our way of expressing gratitude for choosing to join the Easyco Solar family.
Depending on finance needs and roof condition, we work closely with the most reputable local roofing companies. We're committed to ensuring your transition to solar is smooth and beneficial from the start.
Our innovative solar calculator allows you to estimate your home’s energy production.
Simply answer a few questions about your home and you’ll receive a free analysis that reveals how much power you can generate annually, how quickly you can recover your investment, and what those savings would look like over time.
Our specialists are here to help answer your questions. Here are a few to consider:
Would you prefer to own the solar equipment outright?
Are you interested in financing the solar equipment?
Would you like to pay for the equipment upfront?
Do you plan to service and maintain the equipment and panels yourself, or would you prefer a maintenance contract?
