Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bakersfield, CA (Mar 2023)
- Bakersfield Solar Installation Cost: $5,542
- 25-Year Savings: $18,565
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bakersfield
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Bakersfield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bakersfield it's 2.73 per watt. The average Bakersfield homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,542 with the federal tax credit, or $7,925 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Bakersfield see about $32,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Bakersfield, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bakersfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,578 |
| 3 years | $-2,649 |
| 5 years | $-720 |
| 7 years | $1,208 |
| 9 years | $3,137 |
| 11 years | $5,065 |
| 13 years | $6,994 |
| 15 years | $8,922 |
| 17 years | $10,851 |
| 19 years | $12,779 |
| 21 years | $14,708 |
| 23 years | $16,637 |
| 25 years | $18,565 |
Top Solar Installers in Bakersfield
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Bakersfield:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Bakersfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bakersfield
Though the average cost of a solar system in Bakersfield is $5,542, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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 important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bakersfield, 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Bakersfield homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Bakersfield's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that 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 go with the company that has 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $38,000 | 6.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $50,973 | 5.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $64,098 | 5.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $77,376 | 5.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $90,807 | 5.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $104,391 | 5.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $118,128 | 5.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $132,018 | 5.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining 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 some important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- 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 likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Bakersfield, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bakersfield?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about 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.
Is it worth going solar in Bakersfield?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 household 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.