Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Fernando, CA (2025 Update)
- San Fernando Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $16,124
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Fernando
We break down average solar pricing in San Fernando.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in San Fernando, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average San Fernando homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,920 with the federal tax credit, or $9,896 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $29,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in San Fernando find going solar can pay off big.
To calculate 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 | $-5,618 |
| 3 years | $-3,012 |
| 5 years | $-407 |
| 7 years | $2,199 |
| 9 years | $4,804 |
| 11 years | $7,410 |
| 13 years | $10,015 |
| 15 years | $12,621 |
| 17 years | $15,226 |
| 19 years | $17,832 |
| 21 years | $20,437 |
| 23 years | $23,042 |
| 25 years | $25,648 |
Top Solar Installers in San Fernando
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in San Fernando
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Fernando
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the San Fernando average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in San Fernando to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for San Fernando homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in San Fernando, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 decide on the company that offers 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 | $30,266 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $40,744 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $51,415 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $62,281 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $73,342 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $84,596 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $96,045 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $107,689 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- 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 installation process.
- 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 how long it will take.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
EcoWatch's San Fernando, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in San Fernando?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in San Fernando is currently $676,787, which means you can look forward to a value of about $27,748 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in San Fernando is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in San Fernando?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much 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 continue to use 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.