Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bishop, CA (2024 Update)
- Bishop Solar Installation Cost: $7,088
- 25-Year Savings: $16,715
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bishop
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bishop.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bishop it’s 3 per watt.Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Bishop, the average price of going solar will be about $7,088 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Bishop based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Bishop see about $29,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Bishop, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bishop
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,648 |
| 3 years | $-2,768 |
| 5 years | $112 |
| 7 years | $2,992 |
| 9 years | $5,872 |
| 11 years | $8,752 |
| 13 years | $11,632 |
| 15 years | $14,512 |
| 17 years | $17,392 |
| 19 years | $20,271 |
| 21 years | $23,151 |
| 23 years | $26,031 |
| 25 years | $28,911 |
Top Solar Installers in Bishop
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Bishop
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bishop
While the average cost of a solar system in Bishop is $7,088, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Bishop homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Bishop’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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 | $30,677 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $41,292 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $52,101 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $63,104 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $74,301 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $85,693 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $97,279 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $109,059 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Bishop, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bishop?
This is a difficult 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Bishop?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Bishop, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,527.81 per year.
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 how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 buy 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.