Solar Panel Cost Guide in Ford City, CA (2025 Update)
- Ford City Solar Installation Cost: $7,037
- 25-Year Savings: $20,795
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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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 average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Ford City, the average price of going solar will be about $7,037 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Ford City homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the large initial cost, the average Ford City homeowner can save about $35,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, 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
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar companies offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Ford City:
See all of the solar companies in Ford City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Ford City
There are many factors that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Ford City homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Ford City’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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
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 selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
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 real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels 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 you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Ford City?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 once you've had 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.