Solar Panel Cost Guide in Madera, CA (2024 Update)
- Madera Solar Installation Cost: $7,303
- 25-Year Savings: $20,585
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Madera
We break down average solar pricing in Madera.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Madera generally cost about 3.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Madera, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,303, or $10,443 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.With typical savings of about $33,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Madera find going solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Madera
| 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 Madera
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Madera
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Madera
The cost of installing a solar system in Madera can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Madera, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Madera provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Madera, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Madera 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 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 | $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
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 selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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 the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
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 Madera, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Madera?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Madera is currently $385,578, which means you can look forward to a value of about $15,809 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Madera is a rewarding investment.
How long do solar panels last in Madera?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.