Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Modesto, CA (2023 Update)
- West Modesto Solar Installation Cost: $5,710
- 25-Year Savings: $19,561
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Modesto
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in West Modesto.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in West Modesto it's 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in West Modesto, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,714, or $8,171 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in West Modesto based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in West Modesto can save about $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in West Modesto, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Modesto
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,356 |
| 3 years | $-1,647 |
| 5 years | $1,061 |
| 7 years | $3,769 |
| 9 years | $6,477 |
| 11 years | $9,186 |
| 13 years | $11,894 |
| 15 years | $14,602 |
| 17 years | $17,311 |
| 19 years | $20,019 |
| 21 years | $22,727 |
| 23 years | $25,436 |
| 25 years | $28,144 |
Top Solar Installers in West Modesto
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar company in West Modesto, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 West Modesto
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Modesto
The cost of installing a solar system in West Modesto can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in West Modesto, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in West Modesto, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence the cost. West Modesto's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $38,822 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,068 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $65,467 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $79,019 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $92,724 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $106,582 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $120,593 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $134,756 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in West Modesto, 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:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 West Modesto, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Modesto?
The average cost of solar panels in West Modesto is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in West Modesto?
Solar panels aren't free in West Modesto, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in West Modesto?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.