Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairview, CA (2024 Update)
- Fairview Solar Installation Cost: $7,314
- 25-Year Savings: $20,577
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairview
We break down average solar pricing in Fairview.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fairview generally cost around 3.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Fairview, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,314, or $10,459 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Fairview see about $33,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Fairview, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairview
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,776 |
| 3 years | $-2,700 |
| 5 years | $376 |
| 7 years | $3,452 |
| 9 years | $6,528 |
| 11 years | $9,603 |
| 13 years | $12,679 |
| 15 years | $15,755 |
| 17 years | $18,831 |
| 19 years | $21,907 |
| 21 years | $24,982 |
| 23 years | $28,058 |
| 25 years | $31,134 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairview
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money over time.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Fairview, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Fairview
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairview
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Fairview is $7,314, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Fairview.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, 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 into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Fairview’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $37,313 | 7.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $50,140 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $63,161 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $76,376 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $89,785 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $103,389 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $117,187 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $131,180 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Fairview, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairview?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fairview?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Fairview, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fairview is currently $981,301, so you can expect a value of about $40,233 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fairview is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.