Solar Panel Cost Guide in Madera Acres, CA (2023 Update)

  • Madera Acres Solar Installation Cost: $5,746
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,585
  • Payback Period: 5.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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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 Madera Acres

We go over average solar pricing in Madera Acres.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Madera Acres it's 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Madera Acres, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,752, or $8,225 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Madera Acres homeowners see about $33,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Madera Acres, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Madera Acres

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,658
3 years $-5,482
5 years $-5,307
7 years $-5,131
9 years $-4,956
11 years $-4,780
13 years $-4,605
15 years $-4,429
17 years $-4,254
19 years $-4,078
21 years $-3,903
23 years $-3,727
25 years $-3,552

Top Solar Installers in Madera Acres

When going solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

If you're searching for a solar company in Madera Acres, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Madera Acres

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Madera Acres

Though the average cost of a solar system in Madera Acres is $5,752, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential 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 pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Madera Acres. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Madera Acres offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more resources and better 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 down to compete with bigger names.

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 $40,620 5.7 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $54,465 5.6 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $68,464 5.5 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $82,615 5.3 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $96,919 5.2 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $111,377 5.1 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $125,987 5.0 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $140,750 4.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Madera Acres, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Madera Acres?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 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 higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $1,751.48 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Madera Acres?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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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