Solar Panel Cost Guide in Los Banos, CA (2023 Update)
- Los Banos Solar Installation Cost: $5,657
- 25-Year Savings: $20,674
- Payback Period: 5.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Los Banos
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Los Banos.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Los Banos, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Los Banos, the average price of going solar will be about $5,657 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the large initial cost, the average Los Banos homeowner can save around $34,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Los Banos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,603 |
| 3 years | $-2,497 |
| 5 years | $-390 |
| 7 years | $1,716 |
| 9 years | $3,823 |
| 11 years | $5,929 |
| 13 years | $8,036 |
| 15 years | $10,142 |
| 17 years | $12,249 |
| 19 years | $14,355 |
| 21 years | $16,461 |
| 23 years | $18,568 |
| 25 years | $20,674 |
Top Solar Installers in Los Banos
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Los Banos, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Los Banos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Los Banos
There are several criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Los Banos average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Los Banos offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $41,394 | 5.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $55,498 | 5.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $69,754 | 5.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $84,164 | 5.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $98,726 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $113,441 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $128,309 | 4.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $143,330 | 4.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Los Banos, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 Los Banos, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Los Banos?
The average cost of solar panels in Los Banos is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 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.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Los Banos have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 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 buy 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.