Solar Panel Cost Guide in Visalia, CA (2023 Update)
- Visalia Solar Installation Cost: $5,657
- 25-Year Savings: $16,137
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
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 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Visalia is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,657 for a solar installation, or $8,090 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the high initial cost, the average Visalia homeowner can save about $28,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Visalia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,785 |
| 3 years | $-3,041 |
| 5 years | $-1,298 |
| 7 years | $446 |
| 9 years | $2,189 |
| 11 years | $3,933 |
| 13 years | $5,676 |
| 15 years | $7,420 |
| 17 years | $9,163 |
| 19 years | $10,907 |
| 21 years | $12,650 |
| 23 years | $14,394 |
| 25 years | $16,137 |
Top Solar Installers in Visalia
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Visalia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Visalia
The cost of installing a solar system in Visalia can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
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 Visalia homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Visalia have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $32,270 | 6.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $43,332 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $54,548 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $65,916 | 6.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $77,437 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $89,111 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $100,937 | 6.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $112,917 | 5.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Visalia, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Visalia, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Visalia?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Visalia?
You can't get solar panels for free in Visalia. However, you may still be able to install 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.
How will solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Visalia?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.
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.