Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arvin, CA (2024 Update)

  • Arvin Solar Installation Cost: $7,037
  • 25-Year Savings: $31,410
  • Payback Period: 7.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arvin

Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Arvin.

The average cost of a solar system in Arvin is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $7,037 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Arvin homeowners see about $30,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Arvin for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Arvin

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,499
3 years $-2,424
5 years $652
7 years $3,728
9 years $6,804
11 years $9,880
13 years $12,955
15 years $16,031
17 years $19,107
19 years $22,183
21 years $25,259
23 years $28,334
25 years $31,410

Top Solar Installers in Arvin

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.

Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Arvin

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arvin

There are a number of criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Arvin provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Arvin, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Arvin are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $31,544 8.1 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $42,447 8.0 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $53,544 7.8 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $64,836 7.6 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $76,322 7.5 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $88,003 7.3 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $99,877 7.2 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $111,947 7.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Arvin, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Arvin?

This is a difficult 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Arvin?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure 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.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.

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