Solar Panel Cost Guide in Los Banos, CA (2024 Update)
- Los Banos Solar Installation Cost: $7,197
- 25-Year Savings: $20,669
- Payback Period: 6.8 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 Los Banos
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Los Banos.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Los Banos, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Los Banos homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,197 with the federal tax credit, or $10,292 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Los Banos homeowner can save about $34,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Los Banos, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Los Banos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,659 |
| 3 years | $-2,584 |
| 5 years | $492 |
| 7 years | $3,568 |
| 9 years | $6,644 |
| 11 years | $9,720 |
| 13 years | $12,795 |
| 15 years | $15,871 |
| 17 years | $18,947 |
| 19 years | $22,023 |
| 21 years | $25,099 |
| 23 years | $28,174 |
| 25 years | $31,250 |
Top Solar Installers in Los Banos
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be challenging. Another perk of going with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Los Banos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Los Banos
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Los Banos: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, 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 nearly $3,470. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Los Banos provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Los Banos, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and better 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 companies.
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 | $38,162 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $51,271 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $64,574 | 6.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $78,072 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $91,764 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $105,650 | 6.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $119,731 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $134,006 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 Los Banos, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Los Banos?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Los Banos?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Los Banos?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Los Banos?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.