Solar Panel Cost Guide in Turlock, CA (2023 Update)
- Turlock Solar Installation Cost: $5,710
- 25-Year Savings: $19,375
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Turlock
We break down average solar pricing in Turlock.
The average cost of a solar system in Turlock is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Turlock is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,714 for a solar installation, or $8,171 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Turlock see about $32,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Turlock, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Turlock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,626 |
| 3 years | $-5,459 |
| 5 years | $-5,292 |
| 7 years | $-5,125 |
| 9 years | $-4,957 |
| 11 years | $-4,790 |
| 13 years | $-4,623 |
| 15 years | $-4,456 |
| 17 years | $-4,288 |
| 19 years | $-4,121 |
| 21 years | $-3,954 |
| 23 years | $-3,787 |
| 25 years | $-3,619 |
Top Solar Installers in Turlock
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. 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
See all of the solar companies in Turlock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Turlock
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Turlock: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Turlock, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Turlock average.
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 Turlock homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Turlock, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When reading through 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 if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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.