Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hanford, CA (2024 Update)
- Hanford Solar Installation Cost: $7,139
- 25-Year Savings: $16,934
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hanford
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Hanford.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hanford it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Hanford is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,139 for a solar installation, or $10,209 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $29,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Hanford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hanford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,778 |
| 3 years | $-3,055 |
| 5 years | $-332 |
| 7 years | $2,390 |
| 9 years | $5,113 |
| 11 years | $7,836 |
| 13 years | $10,558 |
| 15 years | $13,281 |
| 17 years | $16,004 |
| 19 years | $18,726 |
| 21 years | $21,449 |
| 23 years | $24,172 |
| 25 years | $26,894 |
Top Solar Installers in Hanford
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra effort and handiness. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Another great thing about going with a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Hanford:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Hanford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hanford
Though the average cost of a solar system in Hanford is $7,139, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Hanford, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Hanford is the company you choose 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 provide a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Hanford know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $30,878 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $41,559 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $52,435 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $63,505 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $74,769 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $86,228 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $97,881 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $109,728 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Hanford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- 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 kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Hanford, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hanford?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Hanford?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Hanford. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Hanford, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.