Solar Panel Cost Guide in Avenal, CA (2024 Update)
- Avenal Solar Installation Cost: $7,139
- 25-Year Savings: $20,714
- Payback Period: 6.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Avenal
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Avenal.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Avenal typically cost about 3.Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Avenal, the average price of going solar will be about $7,139 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With average savings of about $34,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Avenal find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Avenal
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,601 |
| 3 years | $-2,525 |
| 5 years | $551 |
| 7 years | $3,626 |
| 9 years | $6,702 |
| 11 years | $9,778 |
| 13 years | $12,854 |
| 15 years | $15,930 |
| 17 years | $19,005 |
| 19 years | $22,081 |
| 21 years | $25,157 |
| 23 years | $28,233 |
| 25 years | $31,309 |
Top Solar Installers in Avenal
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost 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 Avenal
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Avenal
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. 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.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Avenal to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Avenal, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $38,597 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $51,851 | 6.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $65,299 | 6.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $78,942 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $92,779 | 6.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $106,811 | 6.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $121,037 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $135,457 | 6.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years 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 Avenal, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Avenal?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Avenal is currently $227,798, which means you can look forward to a value of about $9,340 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Avenal is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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.