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

  • Firebaugh Solar Installation Cost: $7,234
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,639
  • Payback Period: 6.9 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 Firebaugh

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Firebaugh.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Firebaugh, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Because a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Firebaugh, the average price of going solar will be about $7,234 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 exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Firebaugh can save around $34,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Firebaugh

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,696
3 years $-2,621
5 years $455
7 years $3,531
9 years $6,607
11 years $9,683
13 years $12,758
15 years $15,834
17 years $18,910
19 years $21,986
21 years $25,062
23 years $28,137
25 years $31,213

Top Solar Installers in Firebaugh

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 Firebaugh

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Firebaugh

There are several factors that can influence your solar system 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

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. 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 solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Firebaugh average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Firebaugh offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Firebaugh, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Firebaugh are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use 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 $37,888 7.1 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $50,906 7.0 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $64,119 6.9 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $77,525 6.7 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $91,126 6.6 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $104,922 6.5 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $118,911 6.3 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $133,095 6.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Firebaugh, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.

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 Firebaugh, CA Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Firebaugh is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual 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.

Are solar panels free in Firebaugh?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Firebaugh. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

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 $1,768.17 per year.

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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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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