Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mather, CA (2024 Update)
- Mather Solar Installation Cost: $7,491
- 25-Year Savings: $14,686
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mather
We break down average solar pricing in Mather.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mather it’s 3 per watt.The average Mather homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,491 with the federal tax credit, or $10,712 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
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 based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Mather can save around $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mather
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,316 |
| 3 years | $-3,966 |
| 5 years | $-1,615 |
| 7 years | $735 |
| 9 years | $3,085 |
| 11 years | $5,435 |
| 13 years | $7,786 |
| 15 years | $10,136 |
| 17 years | $12,486 |
| 19 years | $14,836 |
| 21 years | $17,187 |
| 23 years | $19,537 |
| 25 years | $21,887 |
Top Solar Installers in Mather
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and know-how. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions 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 Mather
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mather
For many Mather homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mather, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Mather.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 companies in Mather offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Mather is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion 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 | $24,880 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $33,562 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $42,438 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $51,509 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $60,774 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $70,233 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $79,887 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $89,735 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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 Mather, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mather?
The average cost of solar panels in Mather 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Mather?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Mather. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Mather have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.