Solar Panel Cost Guide in Delano, CA (Mar 2023)
- Delano Solar Installation Cost: $5,542
- 25-Year Savings: $17,008
- Payback Period: 6.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Delano
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Delano.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Delano it's 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.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. With typical savings of about $30,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Delano find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Delano for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Delano
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,640 |
| 3 years | $-2,836 |
| 5 years | $-1,032 |
| 7 years | $772 |
| 9 years | $2,576 |
| 11 years | $4,380 |
| 13 years | $6,184 |
| 15 years | $7,988 |
| 17 years | $9,792 |
| 19 years | $11,596 |
| 21 years | $13,400 |
| 23 years | $15,204 |
| 25 years | $17,008 |
Top Solar Installers in Delano
Do-it-yourself 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. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Delano
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Delano
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Delano: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Delano, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Delano homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Delano is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $34,776 | 6.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $46,674 | 6.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $58,724 | 6.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $70,928 | 6.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $83,284 | 5.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $95,793 | 5.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $108,456 | 5.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $121,271 | 5.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Delano, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Delano?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient 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 can't take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Delano?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Delano?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.