Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairfax, CA (2023 Update)
- Fairfax Solar Installation Cost: $6,020
- 25-Year Savings: $20,311
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairfax
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Fairfax.
In Fairfax, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Fairfax is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,020 for a solar installation, or $8,609 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Fairfax homeowner can save about $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairfax
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,966 |
| 3 years | $-2,860 |
| 5 years | $-753 |
| 7 years | $1,353 |
| 9 years | $3,460 |
| 11 years | $5,566 |
| 13 years | $7,672 |
| 15 years | $9,779 |
| 17 years | $11,885 |
| 19 years | $13,992 |
| 21 years | $16,098 |
| 23 years | $18,205 |
| 25 years | $20,311 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairfax
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Fairfax
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairfax
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 Fairfax: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Fairfax, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Fairfax's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Fairfax know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $38,220 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $51,266 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $64,465 | 5.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $77,816 | 5.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $91,321 | 5.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $104,978 | 5.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $118,788 | 5.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $132,751 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Fairfax, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairfax?
The average cost of solar panels in Fairfax is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fairfax?
You can't get solar panels for free in Fairfax. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,671.49 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 household 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.