Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winton, CA (2024 Update)
- Winton Solar Installation Cost: $7,197
- 25-Year Savings: $19,224
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Winton.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Winton is 3 per watt.Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Winton, the average price of going solar will be about $7,197 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $32,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Winton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,860 |
| 3 years | $-3,186 |
| 5 years | $-512 |
| 7 years | $2,162 |
| 9 years | $4,836 |
| 11 years | $7,510 |
| 13 years | $10,184 |
| 15 years | $12,858 |
| 17 years | $15,532 |
| 19 years | $18,206 |
| 21 years | $20,880 |
| 23 years | $23,553 |
| 25 years | $26,227 |
Top Solar Installers in Winton
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another perk of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are several 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 Winton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winton
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Winton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Winton to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Winton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Winton know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $35,237 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,371 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $59,700 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $72,223 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $84,940 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $97,851 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $110,957 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $124,257 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on 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:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Winton, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winton?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Winton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Winton?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of 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 fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.