Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tipton, CA (Mar 2023)
- Tipton Solar Installation Cost: $5,657
- 25-Year Savings: $16,893
- Payback Period: 6.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tipton
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Tipton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Tipton it's 2.73 per watt. Because a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Tipton, the average price of going solar will be about $5,657 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Tipton homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $29,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Tipton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,755 |
| 3 years | $-2,951 |
| 5 years | $-1,147 |
| 7 years | $657 |
| 9 years | $2,461 |
| 11 years | $4,265 |
| 13 years | $6,069 |
| 15 years | $7,873 |
| 17 years | $9,677 |
| 19 years | $11,481 |
| 21 years | $13,285 |
| 23 years | $15,089 |
| 25 years | $16,893 |
Top Solar Installers in Tipton
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Tipton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tipton
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Tipton is $5,657, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,730. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Tipton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Tipton homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Tipton, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $33,803 | 6.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $45,377 | 6.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $57,103 | 6.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $68,983 | 6.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $81,015 | 6.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $93,200 | 5.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $105,538 | 5.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $118,029 | 5.6 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 models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Tipton, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tipton?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Tipton?
You can't get solar panels for free in Tipton. 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.
Does Tipton have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.