Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tulare, CA (2023 Update)
- Tulare Solar Installation Cost: $5,657
- 25-Year Savings: $16,893
- Payback Period: 6.3 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 Tulare
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Tulare.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Tulare, the average cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $5,657 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Tulare depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $29,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Tulare for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Tulare
| 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 Tulare
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a challenging task, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar company 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 Tulare
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tulare
Although the average cost of a solar system in Tulare is $5,657, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Tulare to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Tulare, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 companies to choose from in Tulare, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Tulare, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tulare?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Tulare?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.