Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairfield, CA (2024 Update)
- Fairfield Solar Installation Cost: $7,414
- 25-Year Savings: $20,498
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairfield
We go over average solar pricing in Fairfield.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fairfield, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.1-kW system would cost about $7,414 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $33,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fairfield find going solar has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,876 |
| 3 years | $-2,800 |
| 5 years | $276 |
| 7 years | $3,351 |
| 9 years | $6,427 |
| 11 years | $9,503 |
| 13 years | $12,579 |
| 15 years | $15,655 |
| 17 years | $18,730 |
| 19 years | $21,806 |
| 21 years | $24,882 |
| 23 years | $27,958 |
| 25 years | $31,034 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairfield
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Fairfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairfield
For many Fairfield homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fairfield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fairfield average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fairfield to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Fairfield is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $36,603 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $49,193 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,977 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,956 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $88,128 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $101,495 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $115,057 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $128,813 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Fairfield, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fairfield?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Fairfield?
Solar panels aren’t free in Fairfield, 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 solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Fairfield is currently $610,114, so you can look forward to a value of about $25,015 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Fairfield is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.