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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Kerman

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Kerman.

In Kerman, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Kerman, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,234, or $10,345 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Kerman depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $34,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Kerman for a custom estimate.

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 panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Another advantage of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.

Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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 Kerman

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kerman

For many Kerman homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Kerman, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,470 per kilowatt in Kerman.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Kerman, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Kerman, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.

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

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Kerman, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
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 Kerman, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Kerman?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Kerman?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.

Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. 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?

Even though 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 opt to 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.

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