Solar Panel Cost Guide in Taft, CA (2023 Update)
- Taft Solar Installation Cost: $5,536
- 25-Year Savings: $18,274
- Payback Period: 5.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Taft
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Taft.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Taft, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Taft, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,542, or $7,925 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $31,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Taft find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Taft for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Taft
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,457 |
| 3 years | $-5,298 |
| 5 years | $-5,140 |
| 7 years | $-4,981 |
| 9 years | $-4,822 |
| 11 years | $-4,663 |
| 13 years | $-4,505 |
| 15 years | $-4,346 |
| 17 years | $-4,187 |
| 19 years | $-4,028 |
| 21 years | $-3,870 |
| 23 years | $-3,711 |
| 25 years | $-3,552 |
Top Solar Installers in Taft
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Taft
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Taft
Though the average cost of a solar system in Taft is $5,542, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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 in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Taft average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Taft offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Taft is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $37,386 | 6.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $50,154 | 5.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $63,074 | 5.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $76,148 | 5.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $89,374 | 5.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $102,754 | 5.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $116,286 | 5.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $129,971 | 5.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Taft, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Taft, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Taft?
The average cost of solar panels in Taft 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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Taft?
Solar panels aren't free in Taft, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Taft, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.