Solar Panel Cost Guide in Porterville, CA (2023 Update)
- Porterville Solar Installation Cost: $5,654
- 25-Year Savings: $13,115
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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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.
The average cost of solar panels in Porterville is 2.73 per watt. The average Porterville homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,657 with the federal tax credit, or $8,090 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 exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Porterville for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Porterville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,469 |
| 3 years | $-2,100 |
| 5 years | $270 |
| 7 years | $2,639 |
| 9 years | $5,009 |
| 11 years | $7,378 |
| 13 years | $9,748 |
| 15 years | $12,117 |
| 17 years | $14,487 |
| 19 years | $16,856 |
| 21 years | $19,226 |
| 23 years | $21,595 |
| 25 years | $23,965 |
Top Solar Installers in Porterville
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Porterville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Porterville
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Porterville: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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, you can expect your total to increase by about $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 opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Porterville average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Porterville provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $26,136 | 7.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $35,154 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $44,325 | 7.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $53,648 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $63,125 | 7.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $72,754 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $82,536 | 6.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $92,471 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Porterville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two 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: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Porterville, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Porterville?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Porterville?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go 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 a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 buy 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.