Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bishop, CA (2023 Update)
- Bishop Solar Installation Cost: $5,576
- 25-Year Savings: $16,715
- Payback Period: 6.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bishop
We break down average solar pricing in Bishop.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bishop, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Bishop is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,580 for a solar installation, or $7,979 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Bishop based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Bishop can save about $29,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Bishop for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bishop
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,502 |
| 3 years | $-5,354 |
| 5 years | $-5,205 |
| 7 years | $-5,056 |
| 9 years | $-4,908 |
| 11 years | $-4,759 |
| 13 years | $-4,610 |
| 15 years | $-4,462 |
| 17 years | $-4,313 |
| 19 years | $-4,165 |
| 21 years | $-4,016 |
| 23 years | $-3,867 |
| 25 years | $-3,719 |
Top Solar Installers in Bishop
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
See all of the solar companies in Bishop
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bishop
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Bishop: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Bishop, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bishop, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Bishop, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $33,910 | 6.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $45,519 | 6.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $57,281 | 6.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $69,195 | 6.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $81,263 | 6.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $93,484 | 5.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $105,857 | 5.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $118,383 | 5.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Bishop, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bishop?
The average cost of solar panels in Bishop is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bishop?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most 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 reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 needs 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 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.