Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Modesto, CA (2024 Update)
- West Modesto Solar Installation Cost: $7,258
- 25-Year Savings: $19,561
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Modesto
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in West Modesto.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Modesto, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $7,258 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of West Modesto homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $32,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Modesto find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in West Modesto
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,904 |
| 3 years | $-3,195 |
| 5 years | $-487 |
| 7 years | $2,221 |
| 9 years | $4,930 |
| 11 years | $7,638 |
| 13 years | $10,346 |
| 15 years | $13,055 |
| 17 years | $15,763 |
| 19 years | $18,471 |
| 21 years | $21,180 |
| 23 years | $23,888 |
| 25 years | $26,596 |
Top Solar Installers in West Modesto
When going solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a challenging project. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in West Modesto, therefore optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 West Modesto
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Modesto
Although the average cost of a solar system in West Modesto is $7,258, your final cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in West Modesto.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like West Modesto, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Modesto to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in West Modesto, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $35,589 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,841 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $60,287 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $72,927 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $85,762 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $98,791 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $112,014 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $125,432 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 West Modesto, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Modesto?
This is a tough 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in West Modesto?
A solar panel system isn’t free in West Modesto, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.