Solar Panel Cost Guide in Firebaugh, CA (Mar 2023)
- Firebaugh Solar Installation Cost: $5,695
- 25-Year Savings: $20,636
- Payback Period: 5.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Firebaugh
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Firebaugh.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Firebaugh, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Firebaugh, the average price of going solar will be about $5,695 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Firebaugh based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Firebaugh can save around $34,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Firebaugh
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,642 |
| 3 years | $-2,535 |
| 5 years | $-429 |
| 7 years | $1,678 |
| 9 years | $3,784 |
| 11 years | $5,891 |
| 13 years | $7,997 |
| 15 years | $10,104 |
| 17 years | $12,210 |
| 19 years | $14,317 |
| 21 years | $16,423 |
| 23 years | $18,530 |
| 25 years | $20,636 |
Top Solar Installers in Firebaugh
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 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 Firebaugh
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Firebaugh
There are several criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Firebaugh, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Firebaugh, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Firebaugh, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.
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 | $41,120 | 5.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $55,133 | 5.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $69,299 | 5.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $83,617 | 5.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $98,088 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $112,712 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $127,489 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $142,419 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Firebaugh, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Firebaugh?
The average cost of solar panels in Firebaugh is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Firebaugh?
A solar panel system isn't free in Firebaugh, 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.
Does Firebaugh have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Firebaugh?
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.