Solar Panel Cost Guide in Terra Bella, CA (Mar 2023)
- Terra Bella Solar Installation Cost: $5,657
- 25-Year Savings: $13,112
- Payback Period: 7.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Terra Bella
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Terra Bella.
In Terra Bella, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Terra Bella homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,657 with the federal tax credit, or $8,090 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Terra Bella homeowners. The price 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. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Terra Bella that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Terra Bella
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,906 |
| 3 years | $-3,404 |
| 5 years | $-1,903 |
| 7 years | $-401 |
| 9 years | $1,100 |
| 11 years | $2,602 |
| 13 years | $4,103 |
| 15 years | $5,605 |
| 17 years | $7,106 |
| 19 years | $8,608 |
| 21 years | $10,109 |
| 23 years | $11,611 |
| 25 years | $13,112 |
Top Solar Installers in Terra Bella
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Terra Bella
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Terra Bella
Cost is often 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 Terra Bella: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use 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 $2,730. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Terra Bella, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Terra Bella homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to add 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Terra Bella, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Terra Bella, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Terra Bella?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Terra Bella?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Terra Bella is currently $194,900, which means you could be looking at a value of about $7,991 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Terra Bella is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.