Solar Panel Cost Guide in Turlock, CA (2023 Update)
- Turlock Solar Installation Cost: $5,714
- 25-Year Savings: $19,372
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Turlock
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Turlock.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Turlock it's 2.73 per watt. The average Turlock homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,714 with the federal tax credit, or $8,171 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Turlock depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $32,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Turlock, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Turlock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,710 |
| 3 years | $-2,704 |
| 5 years | $-697 |
| 7 years | $1,310 |
| 9 years | $3,317 |
| 11 years | $5,324 |
| 13 years | $7,331 |
| 15 years | $9,337 |
| 17 years | $11,344 |
| 19 years | $13,351 |
| 21 years | $15,358 |
| 23 years | $17,365 |
| 25 years | $19,372 |
Top Solar Installers in Turlock
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Turlock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Turlock
There are several factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
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 better efficiency or power production 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 model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. 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 researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Turlock have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $38,448 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $51,570 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $64,845 | 5.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $78,272 | 5.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $91,852 | 5.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $105,586 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $119,472 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $133,511 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Turlock, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Turlock, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Turlock?
This is a hard 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Turlock?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.