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.The average Ceres homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,258 with the federal tax credit, or $10,379 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $32,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Ceres that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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. Going with a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Ceres:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
For many Ceres homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Ceres, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,470. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Ceres, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Ceres homeowners, they can also add to 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
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence how much you pay. Ceres’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down 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
The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high 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.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
What is the average cost of installing 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 real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Ceres?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Ceres, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Ceres, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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.