Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Porterville, CA (2023 Update)
- East Porterville Solar Installation Cost: $5,657
- 25-Year Savings: $13,112
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Porterville
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in East Porterville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in East Porterville it's 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in East Porterville, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,657, or $8,090 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in East Porterville based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in East Porterville can save about $24,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Porterville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,906 |
| 3 years | $-3,404 |
| 5 years | $-1,903 |
| 7 years | $-401 |
| 9 years | $1,100 |
| 11 years | $2,602 |
| 13 years | $4,103 |
| 15 years | $5,605 |
| 17 years | $7,106 |
| 19 years | $8,608 |
| 21 years | $10,109 |
| 23 years | $11,611 |
| 25 years | $13,112 |
Top Solar Installers in East Porterville
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in East Porterville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Porterville
While the average cost of a solar system in East Porterville is $5,657, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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. Also, 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 time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many East Porterville homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. East Porterville's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in East Porterville are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $26,136 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $35,154 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $44,325 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $53,648 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $63,125 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $72,754 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $82,536 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $92,471 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in East Porterville, 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:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion 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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's East Porterville, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Porterville?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in East Porterville?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.