Solar Panel Cost Guide in Earlimart, CA (Mar 2023)
- Earlimart Solar Installation Cost: $5,657
- 25-Year Savings: $16,893
- Payback Period: 6.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Earlimart
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Earlimart.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Earlimart it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Earlimart is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,657 for a solar installation, or $8,090 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average Earlimart homeowner can save about $29,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Earlimart that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Earlimart
| 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 Earlimart
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Earlimart
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Earlimart
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Earlimart: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Earlimart, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete 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 car 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 | $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
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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 Earlimart, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Earlimart?
The average cost of solar panels in Earlimart is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.