Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Porterville, CA (2025 Update)
- East Porterville Solar Installation Cost: $7,187
- 25-Year Savings: $13,115
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Porterville
We break down average solar pricing in East Porterville.
In East Porterville, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in East Porterville is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,187 for a solar installation, or $10,277 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in East Porterville based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average East Porterville homeowners see about $24,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Porterville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,002 |
| 3 years | $-3,633 |
| 5 years | $-1,263 |
| 7 years | $1,106 |
| 9 years | $3,476 |
| 11 years | $5,845 |
| 13 years | $8,215 |
| 15 years | $10,584 |
| 17 years | $12,954 |
| 19 years | $15,323 |
| 21 years | $17,693 |
| 23 years | $20,062 |
| 25 years | $22,432 |
Top Solar Installers in East Porterville
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in East Porterville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Porterville
For many East Porterville homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in East Porterville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like East Porterville, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in East Porterville, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in East Porterville is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $22,904 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $30,927 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $39,145 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $47,557 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $56,163 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $64,963 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $73,958 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $83,147 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in East Porterville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.