Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dinuba, CA (Mar 2023)

  • Dinuba Solar Installation Cost: $5,657
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,893
  • Payback Period: 6.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 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 Dinuba

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Dinuba.

In Dinuba, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Dinuba homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,657 with the federal tax credit, or $8,090 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $29,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Dinuba, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Dinuba

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-4,755
3 years $-2,951
5 years $-1,147
7 years $657
9 years $2,461
11 years $4,265
13 years $6,069
15 years $7,873
17 years $9,677
19 years $11,481
21 years $13,285
23 years $15,089
25 years $16,893

Top Solar Installers in Dinuba

When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.

If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Dinuba:

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Dinuba

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dinuba

There are several factors that can influence your solar panel 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

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. 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 average energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

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 Dinuba homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Dinuba is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Dinuba have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of 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 $2.84 $11,925 $33,803 6.5 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $45,377 6.4 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $57,103 6.3 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $68,983 6.1 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $81,015 6.0 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $93,200 5.9 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $105,538 5.8 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $118,029 5.6 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
  • 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.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Dinuba, CA Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas 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.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Dinuba, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Dinuba?

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 amount 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.

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