Solar Panel Cost Guide in McFarland, CA (2024 Update)
- McFarland Solar Installation Cost: $7,037
- 25-Year Savings: $17,014
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in McFarland
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in McFarland.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in McFarland it’s 3 per watt.The average McFarland homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,037 with the federal tax credit, or $10,063 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of McFarland homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in McFarland can save around $30,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in McFarland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,499 |
| 3 years | $-2,424 |
| 5 years | $652 |
| 7 years | $3,728 |
| 9 years | $6,804 |
| 11 years | $9,880 |
| 13 years | $12,955 |
| 15 years | $16,031 |
| 17 years | $19,107 |
| 19 years | $22,183 |
| 21 years | $25,259 |
| 23 years | $28,334 |
| 25 years | $31,410 |
Top Solar Installers in McFarland
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 McFarland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in McFarland
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in McFarland: 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
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in McFarland, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 will be looking at 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in McFarland, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for McFarland homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in McFarland, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in McFarland 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 | $31,544 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $42,447 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $53,544 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $64,836 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $76,322 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $88,003 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $99,877 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $111,947 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 McFarland, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in McFarland?
The average cost of solar panels in McFarland 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in McFarland?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.