Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fresno, TX (2023 Update)
- Fresno Solar Installation Cost: $14,330
- 25-Year Savings: $22,858
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fresno
See how much it might cost to go solar in Fresno.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fresno it's 2.69 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Fresno is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,330 for a solar installation, or $20,492 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fresno homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $20,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fresno find investing in solar can pay off big.
To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Fresno, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fresno
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,842 |
| 3 years | $-9,867 |
| 5 years | $-6,892 |
| 7 years | $-3,917 |
| 9 years | $-942 |
| 11 years | $2,033 |
| 13 years | $5,008 |
| 15 years | $7,983 |
| 17 years | $10,958 |
| 19 years | $13,933 |
| 21 years | $16,908 |
| 23 years | $19,883 |
| 25 years | $22,858 |
Top Solar Installers in Fresno
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Fresno
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fresno
The cost of installing a solar system in Fresno can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,690 per kilowatt in Fresno. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Fresno, 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 solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Fresno is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. You may see 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 specials 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $17,564 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,720 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $30,027 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $36,484 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $43,092 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,850 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $56,759 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $63,819 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Fresno, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fresno?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 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 consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Fresno?
A solar panel system isn't free in Fresno, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fresno is currently $192,895, which means you could be looking at a value of about $7,909 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fresno is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.