Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hilmar-Irwin, CA (2024 Update)
- Hilmar-Irwin Solar Installation Cost: $7,197
- 25-Year Savings: $19,700
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hilmar-Irwin
We break down average solar pricing in Hilmar-Irwin.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hilmar-Irwin it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Hilmar-Irwin is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,197 for a solar installation, or $10,292 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Hilmar-Irwin based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Hilmar-Irwin can save around $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hilmar-Irwin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,659 |
| 3 years | $-2,584 |
| 5 years | $492 |
| 7 years | $3,568 |
| 9 years | $6,644 |
| 11 years | $9,720 |
| 13 years | $12,795 |
| 15 years | $15,871 |
| 17 years | $18,947 |
| 19 years | $22,023 |
| 21 years | $25,099 |
| 23 years | $28,174 |
| 25 years | $31,250 |
Top Solar Installers in Hilmar-Irwin
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in Hilmar-Irwin, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Hilmar-Irwin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hilmar-Irwin
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Hilmar-Irwin is $7,197, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 about $3,470 per kilowatt in Hilmar-Irwin.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Hilmar-Irwin’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Hilmar-Irwin know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $36,200 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,655 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,305 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,148 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,187 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,419 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,846 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,467 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Hilmar-Irwin, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hilmar-Irwin?
The average cost of solar panels in Hilmar-Irwin 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Hilmar-Irwin?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Hilmar-Irwin. 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’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Hilmar-Irwin have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.