Solar Panel Cost Guide in Selma, CA (2024 Update)
- Selma Solar Installation Cost: $7,234
- 25-Year Savings: $20,639
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Selma
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Selma.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Selma is 3 per watt.The average Selma homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,234 with the federal tax credit, or $10,345 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Selma can save around $34,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Selma
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,696 |
| 3 years | $-2,621 |
| 5 years | $455 |
| 7 years | $3,531 |
| 9 years | $6,607 |
| 11 years | $9,683 |
| 13 years | $12,758 |
| 15 years | $15,834 |
| 17 years | $18,910 |
| 19 years | $21,986 |
| 21 years | $25,062 |
| 23 years | $28,137 |
| 25 years | $31,213 |
Top Solar Installers in Selma
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and expertise. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Selma
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Selma
For many Selma homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Selma, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Selma, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Selma to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Selma homeowners, they can also raise 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
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Selma’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $37,888 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $50,906 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $64,119 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $77,525 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $91,126 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $104,922 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $118,911 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $133,095 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies 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 hire.
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 Selma, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Selma?
The average cost of solar panels in Selma 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Selma?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Selma. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Selma?
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.