Solar Panel Cost Guide in Modesto, CA (2023 Update)
- Modesto Solar Installation Cost: $5,714
- 25-Year Savings: $20,098
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Modesto
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Modesto.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Modesto, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Modesto is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,714 for a solar installation, or $8,171 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Modesto see about $33,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Modesto
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,681 |
| 3 years | $-2,616 |
| 5 years | $-551 |
| 7 years | $1,513 |
| 9 years | $3,578 |
| 11 years | $5,643 |
| 13 years | $7,708 |
| 15 years | $9,773 |
| 17 years | $11,838 |
| 19 years | $13,903 |
| 21 years | $15,968 |
| 23 years | $18,033 |
| 25 years | $20,098 |
Top Solar Installers in Modesto
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Modesto
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Modesto
The cost of installing a solar system in Modesto can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Modesto, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Modesto, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $39,907 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,515 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,276 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $81,190 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $95,257 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $109,477 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $123,849 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $138,375 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
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 Modesto, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Modesto?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Modesto have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Modesto?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had 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.