Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tulare, CA (2025 Update)
- Tulare Solar Installation Cost: $7,187
- 25-Year Savings: $16,896
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
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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 account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Tulare, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,187, or $10,277 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $29,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Tulare, you can 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 choose to hire a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Tulare
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tulare
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Tulare homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Tulare, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Tulare know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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
The solar company you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
EcoWatch's Tulare, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tulare?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of 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, solar panels can last 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 level 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.