Solar Panel Cost Guide in Earlimart, CA (2024 Update)
- Earlimart Solar Installation Cost: $7,187
- 25-Year Savings: $16,896
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Earlimart
We go over average solar pricing in Earlimart.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Earlimart it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Earlimart is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,187 for a solar installation, or $10,277 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $29,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Earlimart for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Earlimart
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,649 |
| 3 years | $-2,573 |
| 5 years | $503 |
| 7 years | $3,578 |
| 9 years | $6,654 |
| 11 years | $9,730 |
| 13 years | $12,806 |
| 15 years | $15,882 |
| 17 years | $18,957 |
| 19 years | $22,033 |
| 21 years | $25,109 |
| 23 years | $28,185 |
| 25 years | $31,261 |
Top Solar Installers in Earlimart
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Earlimart
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Earlimart
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Earlimart: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,470. 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 are often more expensive 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. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Earlimart homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Earlimart are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $30,571 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $41,150 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $51,923 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $62,891 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $74,053 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $85,409 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $96,960 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $108,705 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Earlimart, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Earlimart?
The average cost of solar panels in Earlimart is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Earlimart?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Earlimart have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Earlimart?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.