Solar Panel Cost Guide in Strathmore, CA (2023 Update)

  • Strathmore Solar Installation Cost: $5,654
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,115
  • Payback Period: 7.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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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 Strathmore

We go over average solar pricing in Strathmore.

In Strathmore, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $5,657 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Strathmore based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Strathmore homeowners see about $24,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Strathmore

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 Strathmore

Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Strathmore:

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Strathmore

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Strathmore

For many Strathmore homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Strathmore, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in Strathmore. The type 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Strathmore average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Strathmore have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

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

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • 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 what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven 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 past customers.
  • Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

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 Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Strathmore, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Strathmore?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Strathmore?

You can't get solar panels for free in Strathmore. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Strathmore?

The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid 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.

How long do solar panels last in Strathmore?

Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.

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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