Solar Panel Cost Guide in Madera Acres, CA (2024 Update)
- Madera Acres Solar Installation Cost: $7,303
- 25-Year Savings: $20,585
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Madera Acres
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Madera Acres.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Madera Acres typically cost around 3.To account for the typical energy usage 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 about $7,303, or $10,443 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Madera Acres for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Madera Acres
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,765 |
| 3 years | $-2,690 |
| 5 years | $386 |
| 7 years | $3,462 |
| 9 years | $6,538 |
| 11 years | $9,614 |
| 13 years | $12,689 |
| 15 years | $15,765 |
| 17 years | $18,841 |
| 19 years | $21,917 |
| 21 years | $24,993 |
| 23 years | $28,068 |
| 25 years | $31,144 |
Top Solar Installers in Madera Acres
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Madera Acres
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Madera Acres
For many Madera Acres homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Madera Acres, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Madera Acres, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Madera Acres homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $37,387 | 7.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $50,238 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $63,284 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $76,524 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $89,958 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $103,586 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $117,409 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $131,426 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Madera Acres, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before making your decision.
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 Madera Acres, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Madera Acres?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Madera Acres?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $1,751.48 per year.
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 amount of 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.