Solar Panel Cost Guide in Merced, CA (2024 Update)
- Merced Solar Installation Cost: $7,197
- 25-Year Savings: $19,706
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Merced
See how much it might cost to go solar in Merced.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Merced, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $7,197 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.With typical savings of about $33,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Merced find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Merced
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,760 |
| 3 years | $-2,885 |
| 5 years | $-10 |
| 7 years | $2,865 |
| 9 years | $5,740 |
| 11 years | $8,615 |
| 13 years | $11,490 |
| 15 years | $14,364 |
| 17 years | $17,239 |
| 19 years | $20,114 |
| 21 years | $22,989 |
| 23 years | $25,864 |
| 25 years | $28,739 |
Top Solar Installers in Merced
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. 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 Merced
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Merced
The cost of installing a solar system in Merced can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,470. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Merced to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Merced is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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 | $36,212 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,671 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,325 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,172 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,215 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,451 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,882 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,507 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
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 Merced, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Merced?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration 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 going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 home 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.