Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Fernando, CA (2024 Update)

  • San Fernando Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,124
  • Payback Period: 8.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Fernando

We break down average solar pricing in San Fernando.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in San Fernando generally cost about 3.The average San Fernando homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,920 with the federal tax credit, or $9,896 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in San Fernando depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $29,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.

To get a free estimate from a top solar company in San Fernando, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in San Fernando

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,618
3 years $-3,012
5 years $-407
7 years $2,199
9 years $4,804
11 years $7,410
13 years $10,015
15 years $12,621
17 years $15,226
19 years $17,832
21 years $20,437
23 years $23,042
25 years $25,648

Top Solar Installers in San Fernando

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.

Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 San Fernando

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Fernando

For many San Fernando homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in San Fernando, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy 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 a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in San Fernando, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for San Fernando homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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 solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout San Fernando, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in San Fernando have more knowledge 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 $30,266 8.3 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $40,744 8.2 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $51,415 8.0 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $62,281 7.9 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $73,342 7.7 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $84,596 7.5 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $96,045 7.4 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $107,689 7.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's San Fernando, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Fernando?

The average cost of solar panels in San Fernando 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 kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Do solar panels increase the value of your home?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

How long do solar panels last in San Fernando?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.

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