Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mcfarland, CA (2023 Update)

  • Mcfarland Solar Installation Cost: $5,542
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,008
  • Payback Period: 6.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 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 Mcfarland

Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Mcfarland.

In Mcfarland, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Mcfarland homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,542 with the federal tax credit, or $7,925 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Even with the large initial cost, the average Mcfarland homeowner can save about $30,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

To get a free estimate from a top solar company in Mcfarland, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Mcfarland

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-4,640
3 years $-2,836
5 years $-1,032
7 years $772
9 years $2,576
11 years $4,380
13 years $6,184
15 years $7,988
17 years $9,792
19 years $11,596
21 years $13,400
23 years $15,204
25 years $17,008

Top Solar Installers in Mcfarland

Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.

Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Mcfarland

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mcfarland

The cost of installing a solar system in Mcfarland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Mcfarland average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Mcfarland offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Mcfarland 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 make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Mcfarland is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 $2.84 $11,925 $34,776 6.4 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $46,674 6.3 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $58,724 6.1 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $70,928 6.0 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $83,284 5.9 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $95,793 5.8 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $108,456 5.6 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $121,271 5.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you go with will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:

  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • 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 model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have 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

★★★★★
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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 Mcfarland, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mcfarland?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

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 $1,556.69 per year.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 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.

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