Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ceres, CA (2024 Update)
- Ceres Solar Installation Cost: $7,258
- 25-Year Savings: $19,350
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ceres
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Ceres.
In Ceres, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Ceres, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,258, or $10,379 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Ceres depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Ceres can save about $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Ceres
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,995 |
| 3 years | $-3,471 |
| 5 years | $-946 |
| 7 years | $1,578 |
| 9 years | $4,103 |
| 11 years | $6,628 |
| 13 years | $9,152 |
| 15 years | $11,677 |
| 17 years | $14,201 |
| 19 years | $16,726 |
| 21 years | $19,250 |
| 23 years | $21,775 |
| 25 years | $24,300 |
Top Solar Installers in Ceres
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Ceres, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Ceres
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ceres
The cost of installing a solar system in Ceres can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,470. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Ceres, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Ceres, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Ceres homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Ceres is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $35,164 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,274 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $59,578 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $72,076 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $84,769 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $97,656 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $110,738 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $124,014 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
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 Ceres, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ceres?
The average cost of solar panels in Ceres is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Ceres?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Ceres. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Ceres, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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.