Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tulare, CA (2024 Update)
- Tulare Solar Installation Cost: $7,187
- 25-Year Savings: $16,896
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Tulare
We go over average solar pricing in Tulare.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Tulare is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Tulare, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,187, or $10,277 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Tulare homeowner can save about $29,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Tulare
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,826 |
| 3 years | $-3,103 |
| 5 years | $-380 |
| 7 years | $2,342 |
| 9 years | $5,065 |
| 11 years | $7,788 |
| 13 years | $10,510 |
| 15 years | $13,233 |
| 17 years | $15,956 |
| 19 years | $18,678 |
| 21 years | $21,401 |
| 23 years | $24,124 |
| 25 years | $26,846 |
Top Solar Installers in Tulare
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
If you're looking for a solar company in Tulare, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Tulare
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tulare
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Tulare: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,470. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Tulare, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Tulare have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Tulare homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Tulare’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your 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 discount 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $30,571 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $41,150 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $51,923 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $62,891 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $74,053 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $85,409 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $96,960 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $108,705 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Tulare, 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: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Tulare, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tulare?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other 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?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Tulare?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.