Solar Panel Cost Guide in Visalia, CA (2024 Update)
- Visalia Solar Installation Cost: $7,187
- 25-Year Savings: $16,140
- Payback Period: 8.2 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 Visalia
We go over average solar pricing in Visalia.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Visalia it’s 3 per watt.Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Visalia, the average price of going solar will be about $7,187 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $28,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Visalia for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Visalia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,901 |
| 3 years | $-3,330 |
| 5 years | $-759 |
| 7 years | $1,813 |
| 9 years | $4,384 |
| 11 years | $6,955 |
| 13 years | $9,527 |
| 15 years | $12,098 |
| 17 years | $14,669 |
| 19 years | $17,240 |
| 21 years | $19,812 |
| 23 years | $22,383 |
| 25 years | $24,954 |
Top Solar Installers in Visalia
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Another upside of working with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Visalia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Visalia
For many Visalia homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Visalia, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, 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. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Visalia to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Visalia homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Visalia, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $29,038 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $39,105 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $49,368 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $59,824 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $70,475 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $81,320 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $92,359 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $103,593 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will influence 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 a few important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
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 Visalia, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Visalia?
The average cost of solar panels in Visalia is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Visalia?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Visalia. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Visalia, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.