Solar Panel Cost Guide in French Valley, CA (2025 Update)

  • French Valley Solar Installation Cost: $6,803
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,417
  • Payback Period: 9.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 French Valley

We break down average solar pricing in French Valley.

In French Valley, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in French Valley, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,803, or $9,728 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on power bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in French Valley for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in French Valley

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-5,619
3 years$-3,249
5 years$-880
7 years$1,490
9 years$3,859
11 years$6,229
13 years$8,598
15 years$10,968
17 years$13,337
19 years$15,707
21 years$18,076
23 years$20,446
25 years$22,815

Top Solar Installers in French Valley

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

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

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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 French Valley

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in French Valley

There are many criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in French Valley.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout French Valley, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$25,0509.4 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$33,7899.2 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$42,7229.1 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$51,8498.9 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$61,1718.7 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$70,6868.5 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$80,3978.3 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$90,3018.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year 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 company 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: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
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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 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 exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout French Valley, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although 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 the amount of energy they produce 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.