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
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Madera Acres
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Madera Acres.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Madera Acres generally cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $7,303 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Madera Acres homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Madera Acres can save around $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar company in Madera Acres, you can click the button below.
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 on your own can be a challenging task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Madera Acres can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Madera Acres is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Companies that 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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $37,387 | 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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Long-running 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.
- 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 quality company.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Madera Acres?
The average cost of solar panels in Madera Acres is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Madera Acres?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Madera Acres, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 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.