Solar Panel Cost Guide in French Valley, CA (2023 Update)
- French Valley Solar Installation Cost: $5,352
- 25-Year Savings: $13,417
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in French Valley
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in French Valley.
In French Valley, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Since a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in French Valley, the average price of going solar will be about $5,351 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. Despite the high initial cost, the average French Valley homeowner can save around $25,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in French Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,168 |
| 3 years | $-1,798 |
| 5 years | $571 |
| 7 years | $2,941 |
| 9 years | $5,310 |
| 11 years | $7,680 |
| 13 years | $10,049 |
| 15 years | $12,419 |
| 17 years | $14,788 |
| 19 years | $17,158 |
| 21 years | $19,527 |
| 23 years | $21,897 |
| 25 years | $24,266 |
Top Solar Installers in French Valley
When going solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in French Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in French Valley
Though the average cost of a solar system in French Valley is $5,351, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in French Valley. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like French Valley, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in French Valley have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in French Valley is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $28,282 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $38,016 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $47,902 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $57,941 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $68,132 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,477 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $88,975 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,625 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's French Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in French Valley?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in French Valley?
You can't get solar panels for free in French Valley. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in French Valley?
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 higher amount 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.