Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shafter, CA (2024 Update)
- Shafter Solar Installation Cost: $7,037
- 25-Year Savings: $31,410
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shafter
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Shafter.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Shafter typically cost about 3.Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Shafter, the average price of going solar will be about $7,037 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Shafter based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the large initial cost, the average Shafter homeowner can save about $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Shafter
| 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 Shafter
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Shafter:
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 Shafter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shafter
Although the average cost of a solar system in Shafter is $7,037, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, 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 looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Shafter, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Shafter 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 make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Shafter, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $36,242 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,711 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,375 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,232 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,285 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,531 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,972 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,607 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
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 Shafter, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shafter?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt 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 how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose 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 solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Shafter?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.