Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chowchilla, CA (2024 Update)
- Chowchilla Solar Installation Cost: $7,303
- 25-Year Savings: $31,144
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chowchilla
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Chowchilla.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chowchilla typically cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $7,303 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Chowchilla homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $33,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chowchilla find going solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chowchilla
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,765 |
| 3 years | $-2,690 |
| 5 years | $386 |
| 7 years | $3,462 |
| 9 years | $6,538 |
| 11 years | $9,614 |
| 13 years | $12,689 |
| 15 years | $15,765 |
| 17 years | $18,841 |
| 19 years | $21,917 |
| 21 years | $24,993 |
| 23 years | $28,068 |
| 25 years | $31,144 |
Top Solar Installers in Chowchilla
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Chowchilla
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chowchilla
The cost of installing a solar system in Chowchilla can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need 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.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Chowchilla is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to 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 discount 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 | $37,387 | 7.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $50,238 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $63,284 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $76,524 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $89,958 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $103,586 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $117,409 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $131,426 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Chowchilla, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chowchilla?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.