Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shafter, CA (2024 Update)

  • Shafter Solar Installation Cost: $7,037
  • 25-Year Savings: $31,410
  • Payback Period: 7.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shafter

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Shafter.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Shafter typically cost about 3.The average Shafter homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,037 with the federal tax credit, or $10,063 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large initial cost, the average Shafter homeowner can save around $33,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Shafter for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Shafter

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,499
3 years $-2,424
5 years $652
7 years $3,728
9 years $6,804
11 years $9,880
13 years $12,955
15 years $16,031
17 years $19,107
19 years $22,183
21 years $25,259
23 years $28,334
25 years $31,410

Top Solar Installers in Shafter

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.

If you're looking for a solar company in Shafter, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Shafter

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shafter

There are a number of factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Shafter offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Shafter homeowners, they can also increase 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 clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Shafter, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

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 $36,242 7.4 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $48,711 7.2 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $61,375 7.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $74,232 6.9 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $87,285 6.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $100,531 6.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $113,972 6.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $127,607 6.4 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Shafter, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Shafter?

The average cost of solar panels in Shafter 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 certain factors like the kind 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?

Cost is definitely 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 Shafter is currently $342,073, so you can expect a value of about $14,025 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Shafter is a fruitful investment.

How long do solar panels last in Shafter?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.

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