Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mather, CA (2023 Update)
- Mather Solar Installation Cost: $5,886
- 25-Year Savings: $14,693
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mather
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Mather.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Mather typically cost about 2.73. Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Mather, the average price of going solar will be about $5,886 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Mather can save around $25,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mather
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,063 |
| 3 years | $-3,416 |
| 5 years | $-1,770 |
| 7 years | $-124 |
| 9 years | $1,523 |
| 11 years | $3,169 |
| 13 years | $4,815 |
| 15 years | $6,462 |
| 17 years | $8,108 |
| 19 years | $9,754 |
| 21 years | $11,401 |
| 23 years | $13,047 |
| 25 years | $14,693 |
Top Solar Installers in Mather
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Mather
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mather
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Mather is $5,886, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,730. The brand and type of equipment you get 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Mather homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Mather homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Mather's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company 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 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 | $28,112 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,789 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $47,618 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $57,601 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $67,736 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,024 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $88,465 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,059 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a high 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 support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind 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 take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Mather, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mather?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Mather?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $1,334.57 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Mather?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.