Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chowchilla, CA (2024 Update)
- Chowchilla Solar Installation Cost: $7,303
- 25-Year Savings: $31,144
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chowchilla
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Chowchilla.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Chowchilla, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Chowchilla is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,303 for a solar installation, or $10,443 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $33,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Chowchilla find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
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 | $-5,765 |
| 3 years | $-2,690 |
| 5 years | $386 |
| 7 years | $3,462 |
| 9 years | $6,538 |
| 11 years | $9,614 |
| 13 years | $12,689 |
| 15 years | $15,765 |
| 17 years | $18,841 |
| 19 years | $21,917 |
| 21 years | $24,993 |
| 23 years | $28,068 |
| 25 years | $31,144 |
Top Solar Installers in Chowchilla
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Chowchilla
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chowchilla
There are many factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
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 decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Chowchilla 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Chowchilla know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $37,387 | 7.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $50,238 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $63,284 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $76,524 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $89,958 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $103,586 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $117,409 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $131,426 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Chowchilla, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chowchilla?
The average cost of solar panels in Chowchilla 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Chowchilla?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.