Solar Panel Cost Guide in Delano, CA (2023 Update)

  • Delano Solar Installation Cost: $7,037
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,014
  • Payback Period: 7.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated October 25, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Delano

See how much it might cost to go solar in Delano.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Delano is 2.73 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Delano is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,542 for a solar installation, or $7,925 before the 30% federal solar 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 actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Delano can save about $30,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Delano

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,617
3 years $-2,777
5 years $64
7 years $2,904
9 years $5,744
11 years $8,585
13 years $11,425
15 years $14,266
17 years $17,106
19 years $19,946
21 years $22,787
23 years $25,627
25 years $28,467

Top Solar Installers in Delano

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Delano

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Delano

For many Delano homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Delano, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Delano, one of the most important 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment goes beyond 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 searching for a solar system that's in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Delano provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Delano's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better 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 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 $31,544 8.1 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $42,447 8.0 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $53,544 7.8 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $64,836 7.6 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $76,322 7.5 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $88,003 7.3 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $99,877 7.2 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $111,947 7.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Delano, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Delano, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Delano?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Delano?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Delano?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.

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