Solar Panel Cost Guide in Porterville, CA (2024 Update)
- Porterville Solar Installation Cost: $7,187
- 25-Year Savings: $13,115
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Porterville
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Porterville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Porterville, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Porterville, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,187, or $10,277 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Porterville see about $24,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Porterville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Porterville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,002 |
| 3 years | $-3,633 |
| 5 years | $-1,263 |
| 7 years | $1,106 |
| 9 years | $3,476 |
| 11 years | $5,845 |
| 13 years | $8,215 |
| 15 years | $10,584 |
| 17 years | $12,954 |
| 19 years | $15,323 |
| 21 years | $17,693 |
| 23 years | $20,062 |
| 25 years | $22,432 |
Top Solar Installers in Porterville
DIY 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. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
See all of the solar companies in Porterville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Porterville
The cost of installing a solar system in Porterville can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Porterville.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Porterville to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Porterville is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $22,904 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $30,927 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $39,145 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $47,557 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $56,163 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $64,963 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $73,958 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $83,147 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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 done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although 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 make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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
EcoWatch's Porterville, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Porterville?
The average cost of solar panels in Porterville is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Porterville?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Porterville?
Each state has some form 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 offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.