Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chowchilla, CA (2023 Update)
- Chowchilla Solar Installation Cost: $5,746
- 25-Year Savings: $20,585
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chowchilla
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Chowchilla.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chowchilla generally cost around 2.73. The average Chowchilla homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,752 with the federal tax credit, or $8,225 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Chowchilla homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $33,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Chowchilla that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Chowchilla
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,208 |
| 3 years | $-1,132 |
| 5 years | $1,944 |
| 7 years | $5,019 |
| 9 years | $8,095 |
| 11 years | $11,171 |
| 13 years | $14,247 |
| 15 years | $17,323 |
| 17 years | $20,398 |
| 19 years | $23,474 |
| 21 years | $26,550 |
| 23 years | $29,626 |
| 25 years | $32,702 |
Top Solar Installers in Chowchilla
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another perk of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Chowchilla
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chowchilla
For many Chowchilla homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Chowchilla, 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 system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 nearly $2,730. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Chowchilla average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Chowchilla homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Chowchilla, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $40,620 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,465 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $68,464 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $82,615 | 5.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $96,919 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $111,377 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $125,987 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $140,750 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
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 Chowchilla, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chowchilla?
The average cost of solar panels in Chowchilla 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 use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to 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 enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.