Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fremont, CA (2024 Update)

  • Fremont Solar Installation Cost: $7,314
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,577
  • Payback Period: 6.9 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 Fremont

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fremont.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fremont, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Fremont is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,314 for a solar installation, or $10,459 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go above or below the average in Fremont based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Fremont homeowner can save around $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Fremont

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 Fremont

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Another good thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

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 Fremont

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fremont

For many Fremont homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fremont, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Fremont, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Fremont, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s a good idea to include 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fremont is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Fremont have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 $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

The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:

  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.

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 Fremont, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fremont?

The average cost of solar panels in Fremont 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fremont?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually 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.

Does Fremont have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.

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