Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ford City, CA (2024 Update)

  • Ford City Solar Installation Cost: $7,037
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,795
  • Payback Period: 6.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Ford City

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Ford City.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Ford City, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Ford City, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,037, or $10,063 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Ford City can save about $35,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Ford City, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Ford City

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,499
3 years $-2,424
5 years $652
7 years $3,728
9 years $6,804
11 years $9,880
13 years $12,955
15 years $16,031
17 years $19,107
19 years $22,183
21 years $25,259
23 years $28,334
25 years $31,410

Top Solar Installers in Ford City

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Ford City

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ford City

The cost of installing a solar system in Ford City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Ford City.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of 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 Ford City to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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 $39,374 6.9 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $52,887 6.8 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $66,595 6.7 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $80,497 6.5 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $94,593 6.4 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $108,883 6.3 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $123,368 6.1 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $138,047 6.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Ford City, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Ford City?

The average cost of solar panels in Ford City is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Ford City?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Ford City, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Is it worth going solar in Ford City?

Solar panels can be a beneficial 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 energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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.

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