Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ceres, CA (2023 Update)
- Ceres Solar Installation Cost: $5,710
- 25-Year Savings: $19,350
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ceres
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ceres.
The average cost of a solar system in Ceres is 2.73 per watt. Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Ceres, the average price of going solar will be about $5,714 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Ceres can save around $32,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Ceres
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,626 |
| 3 years | $-5,459 |
| 5 years | $-5,292 |
| 7 years | $-5,125 |
| 9 years | $-4,958 |
| 11 years | $-4,791 |
| 13 years | $-4,624 |
| 15 years | $-4,457 |
| 17 years | $-4,290 |
| 19 years | $-4,123 |
| 21 years | $-3,956 |
| 23 years | $-3,789 |
| 25 years | $-3,622 |
Top Solar Installers in Ceres
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra effort and know-how. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
If you're searching for a solar company in Ceres, we've organized 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
See all of the solar companies in Ceres
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ceres
There are a number of factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Ceres, one of the most crucial 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 consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Ceres to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Ceres, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Ceres are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $38,396 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $51,501 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $64,758 | 5.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $78,168 | 5.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $91,731 | 5.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $105,447 | 5.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $119,316 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $133,338 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 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 $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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many 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 pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Ceres?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.