Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bakersfield, CA (2025 Update)

  • Bakersfield Solar Installation Cost: $7,037
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,570
  • Payback Period: 7.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bakersfield

We go over average solar pricing in Bakersfield.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bakersfield typically cost around 3.The average solar panel system size in Bakersfield is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,037 for a solar installation, or $10,063 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Bakersfield can save about $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Bakersfield, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Bakersfield

YearReturn 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 Bakersfield

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

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Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 Bakersfield

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bakersfield

While the average cost of a solar system in Bakersfield is $7,037, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Bakersfield.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Bakersfield, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 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

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Bakersfield is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$34,7687.6 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$46,7467.4 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$58,9187.3 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$71,2857.2 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$83,8457.0 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$96,6016.9 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$109,5506.7 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$122,6946.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Bakersfield, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bakersfield?

The average cost of solar panels in Bakersfield is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for 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 many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 account for 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.