Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bakersfield, CA (2024 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 February 03, 2024

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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bakersfield

We go over average solar pricing in Bakersfield.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bakersfield it’s 3 per watt.Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Bakersfield, the average price of going solar will be about $7,037 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bakersfield homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $32,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bakersfield find installing solar panels can pay off big.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Bakersfield

Year Return 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

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Another upside of using a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.

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:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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 major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly 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 a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Bakersfield homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor 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 solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 $34,768 7.6 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $46,746 7.4 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $58,918 7.3 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $71,285 7.2 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $83,845 7.0 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $96,601 6.9 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $109,550 6.7 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $122,694 6.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • 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.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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?

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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will installing solar panels impact my property value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bakersfield is currently $378,612, which means you could be looking at a value of about $15,523 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bakersfield is a rewarding investment.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.

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