Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kerman, CA (2024 Update)
- Kerman Solar Installation Cost: $7,234
- 25-Year Savings: $20,639
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kerman
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Kerman.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Kerman it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $7,234 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Kerman homeowner can save around $34,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Kerman
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,696 |
| 3 years | $-2,621 |
| 5 years | $455 |
| 7 years | $3,531 |
| 9 years | $6,607 |
| 11 years | $9,683 |
| 13 years | $12,758 |
| 15 years | $15,834 |
| 17 years | $18,910 |
| 19 years | $21,986 |
| 21 years | $25,062 |
| 23 years | $28,137 |
| 25 years | $31,213 |
Top Solar Installers in Kerman
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be challenging. Another advantage of going with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Kerman
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kerman
The cost of installing a solar system in Kerman can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,470. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Kerman, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
If paying for a solar system 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 a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can affect how much you pay. Kerman’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $37,888 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $50,906 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $64,119 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $77,525 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $91,126 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $104,922 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $118,911 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $133,095 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Kerman, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kerman?
The average cost of solar panels in Kerman is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Kerman?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,768.17 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.