Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orange Cove, CA (2024 Update)
- Orange Cove Solar Installation Cost: $7,234
- 25-Year Savings: $20,639
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orange Cove
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Orange Cove.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Orange Cove is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Orange Cove is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,234 for a solar installation, or $10,345 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Orange Cove homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Orange Cove homeowners see about $34,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Orange Cove, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Orange Cove
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,696 |
| 3 years | $-2,621 |
| 5 years | $455 |
| 7 years | $3,531 |
| 9 years | $6,607 |
| 11 years | $9,683 |
| 13 years | $12,758 |
| 15 years | $15,834 |
| 17 years | $18,910 |
| 19 years | $21,986 |
| 21 years | $25,062 |
| 23 years | $28,137 |
| 25 years | $31,213 |
Top Solar Installers in Orange Cove
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another good thing about going with a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Orange Cove:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Orange Cove
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orange Cove
For many Orange Cove homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Orange Cove, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Orange Cove average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Orange Cove to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Orange Cove homeowners, they can also increase 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
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $37,888 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $50,906 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $64,119 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $77,525 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $91,126 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $104,922 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $118,911 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $133,095 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Orange Cove, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Orange Cove, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Orange Cove?
The average cost of solar panels in Orange Cove is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.