Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Fernando, CA (Mar 2023)
- San Fernando Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $16,122
- Payback Period: 6.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Fernando
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in San Fernando.
In San Fernando, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in San Fernando, the average price of going solar will be about $5,446 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of San Fernando homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $29,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in San Fernando find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in San Fernando
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,584 |
| 3 years | $-2,858 |
| 5 years | $-1,133 |
| 7 years | $593 |
| 9 years | $2,318 |
| 11 years | $4,044 |
| 13 years | $5,769 |
| 15 years | $7,495 |
| 17 years | $9,220 |
| 19 years | $10,946 |
| 21 years | $12,671 |
| 23 years | $14,397 |
| 25 years | $16,122 |
Top Solar Installers in San Fernando
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 San Fernando
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Fernando
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in San Fernando: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, 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 nearly $2,730. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like San Fernando, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in San Fernando to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in San Fernando is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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 | $33,499 | 6.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $44,970 | 6.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $56,595 | 6.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $68,373 | 6.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $80,304 | 6.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $92,387 | 5.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $104,623 | 5.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $117,013 | 5.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 San Fernando, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Fernando?
The average cost of solar panels in San Fernando is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in San Fernando?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.