Solar Panel Cost Guide in Avenal, CA (2024 Update)
- Avenal Solar Installation Cost: $7,139
- 25-Year Savings: $20,714
- Payback Period: 6.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Avenal
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Avenal.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Avenal is 3 per watt.The average Avenal homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,139 with the federal tax credit, or $10,209 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Avenal depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $34,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Avenal for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Avenal
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,601 |
| 3 years | $-2,525 |
| 5 years | $551 |
| 7 years | $3,626 |
| 9 years | $6,702 |
| 11 years | $9,778 |
| 13 years | $12,854 |
| 15 years | $15,930 |
| 17 years | $19,005 |
| 19 years | $22,081 |
| 21 years | $25,157 |
| 23 years | $28,233 |
| 25 years | $31,309 |
Top Solar Installers in Avenal
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Avenal
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Avenal
The cost of installing a solar system in Avenal can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,470. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Avenal average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Avenal to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Avenal have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $38,597 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $51,851 | 6.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $65,299 | 6.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $78,942 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $92,779 | 6.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $106,811 | 6.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $121,037 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $135,457 | 6.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Avenal, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in 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 kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Avenal, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Avenal?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Avenal is currently $227,798, which means you can expect a value of about $9,340 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Avenal is a rewarding investment.
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 take a 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 get 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.