Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mendota, CA (2023 Update)
- Mendota Solar Installation Cost: $5,692
- 25-Year Savings: $20,639
- Payback Period: 5.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mendota
We go over average solar pricing in Mendota.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Mendota typically cost around 2.73. The average solar panel system size in Mendota is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,695 for a solar installation, or $8,144 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Even with the high initial cost, the average Mendota homeowner can save about $34,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mendota
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,154 |
| 3 years | $-1,078 |
| 5 years | $1,998 |
| 7 years | $5,074 |
| 9 years | $8,150 |
| 11 years | $11,225 |
| 13 years | $14,301 |
| 15 years | $17,377 |
| 17 years | $20,453 |
| 19 years | $23,529 |
| 21 years | $26,604 |
| 23 years | $29,680 |
| 25 years | $32,756 |
Top Solar Installers in Mendota
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Mendota:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Mendota
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mendota
For many Mendota homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Mendota, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,730. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Mendota to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Mendota, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $41,120 | 5.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $55,133 | 5.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $69,299 | 5.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $83,617 | 5.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $98,088 | 5.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $112,712 | 5.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $127,489 | 5.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $142,419 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system 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:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Mendota, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mendota?
The average cost of solar panels in Mendota is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff 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 Mendota?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Mendota?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.