Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winton, CA (2024 Update)
- Winton Solar Installation Cost: $7,197
- 25-Year Savings: $19,224
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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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 average cost of a solar panel system in Winton is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $7,197 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Winton homeowner can save around $32,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Winton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,860 |
| 3 years | $-3,186 |
| 5 years | $-512 |
| 7 years | $2,162 |
| 9 years | $4,836 |
| 11 years | $7,510 |
| 13 years | $10,184 |
| 15 years | $12,858 |
| 17 years | $15,532 |
| 19 years | $18,206 |
| 21 years | $20,880 |
| 23 years | $23,553 |
| 25 years | $26,227 |
Top Solar Installers in Winton
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy needs, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Winton, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Winton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winton
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 Winton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Winton, 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 gauge by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Winton, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Winton is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $35,237 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,371 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $59,700 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $72,223 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $84,940 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $97,851 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $110,957 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $124,257 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Winton, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Winton?
The average cost of solar panels in Winton 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 stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Winton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority 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 electricity bills are already reasonably 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 consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.