How Much Do Solar Panels Save Homeowners in Sonoma County?

As energy costs rise, many Sonoma County homeowners are looking for ways to save money on electricity. Solar panels lower costs and make your home more energy efficient—but how much money can they really help you save? Are there any steps you can take to maximize these savings?

In this blog, we explore how much homeowners in Sonoma County can expect to save with solar panels and share tips for getting the most out of them.

How Much Money Can Solar Panels Save You in Sonoma County?

Solar panels allow homeowners to generate their own electricity by converting sunlight into usable energy. This makes it possible to power your home without buying electricity from utility companies. But how much money can you actually save?

In Sonoma County, if you pay for your solar panel system in cash, you can save up to $118,765 on electricity costs over 25 years.¹ This amounts to roughly $4,750 in annual savings for the duration of your system’s warranty. 

However, your exact savings may vary depending on factors like:

How Long is a Solar Panel Payback Period in Sonoma County?

On average, solar panels in Sonoma County pay for themselves in about 6 years.² After that, every dollar you save on electricity goes directly into your pocket—or your next family vacation! 

Depending on your household electricity usage, your panels may generate more power than you actually need. Sometimes, you can sell excess energy back to the grid for utility credits to enjoy even more savings. The more efficient your system, the quicker you’ll get a return on your investment. 

How to Increase Solar Panel Efficiency

Solar panels already save you money on electricity costs, but there are steps you can take to increase their efficiency and maximize your savings. Below are some tips for keeping your them functioning at their peak. 

Proper Solar Panel Placement 

Where and how you position your solar panels is incredibly important for making sure you get the most possible savings. Even small amounts of shade from nearby trees or structures can hinder efficiency, so make sure they are unobstructed. 

Orientation and tilt angle also matter. In Sonoma County, solar panels generate the most energy when they face true south. Adjusting the tilt angle based on latitude will help your panels get the most sun exposure year-round. 

Luckily, when you choose a qualified residential electrician to install your panels, they will handle these logistics for you. All you need to worry about is what to do with your future savings! 

Keep Your Solar Panels Clean 

Over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on your solar panels and interfere with their ability to absorb sunlight. Regularly cleaning your panels will keep them functional and productive. Consider scheduling professional solar panel cleaning and maintenance every 6 months to keep them performing at peak efficiency.

Set Up Solar Energy Battery Storage 

Solar panels only generate energy when the sun is shining. Without a proper storage solution in place, excess energy goes to waste—and you still end up relying on the grid to power through cloudy weather. 

Fortunately, with a solar battery storage system, you can store this excess energy and save it for a rainy day. This is commonly called a solar-plus-storage system, which you can install with your panels to reduce grid reliance and ensure you always have a stable source of power. 

Get Expert Solar Panel Installation and Maintenance in Sonoma County 

Solar panels can save Sonoma County homeowners up to $118,765 over 25 years.¹ In just about 6 years on average, your investment can generate enough money to pay for itself. From there, every dollar you save on electricity goes right into your own pockets. 

For years, Schafer Electric has been helping North Bay homeowners boost their energy efficiency. Whether you’re interested in installing solar panels or upgrading to LED lights, our team of friendly experts is ready to help you make the switch to cleaner energy. 

Contact us online today or call 707-545-3300 to get in touch!

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