Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winton, CA (2023 Update)
- Winton Solar Installation Cost: $5,657
- 25-Year Savings: $19,230
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winton
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Winton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Winton it's 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Winton, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,657, or $8,090 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Winton depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the high initial cost, the average Winton homeowner can save around $32,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Winton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Winton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,661 |
| 3 years | $-2,670 |
| 5 years | $-679 |
| 7 years | $1,312 |
| 9 years | $3,303 |
| 11 years | $5,294 |
| 13 years | $7,285 |
| 15 years | $9,275 |
| 17 years | $11,266 |
| 19 years | $13,257 |
| 21 years | $15,248 |
| 23 years | $17,239 |
| 25 years | $19,230 |
Top Solar Installers in Winton
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and expertise. Because of that, most people choose a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
Working with a vetted 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 Winton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winton
While the average cost of a solar system in Winton is $5,657, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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, your total will most likely increase by about $2,730. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Winton average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Winton, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Winton know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $38,469 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $51,598 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $64,880 | 5.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $78,314 | 5.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $91,902 | 5.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $105,642 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $119,535 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $133,581 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Winton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- 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 good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Winton, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winton?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider 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 your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial 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 power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for 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 install 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.