Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairview, CA (Mar 2023)
- Fairview Solar Installation Cost: $5,752
- 25-Year Savings: $20,579
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairview
We break down average solar pricing in Fairview.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fairview it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Fairview is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,752 for a solar installation, or $8,225 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. With average savings of about $33,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fairview find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairview
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,699 |
| 3 years | $-2,592 |
| 5 years | $-486 |
| 7 years | $1,621 |
| 9 years | $3,727 |
| 11 years | $5,834 |
| 13 years | $7,940 |
| 15 years | $10,046 |
| 17 years | $12,153 |
| 19 years | $14,259 |
| 21 years | $16,366 |
| 23 years | $18,472 |
| 25 years | $20,579 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairview
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. 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 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 Fairview
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairview
For many Fairview homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fairview, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Fairview. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fairview to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Fairview 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 end up saving you 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 | $40,546 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,367 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $68,341 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $82,468 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $96,747 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $111,180 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $125,765 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $140,504 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Fairview, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairview?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fairview?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.