Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fairview, CA (2024 Update)
- Fairview Solar Installation Cost: $7,314
- 25-Year Savings: $20,577
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fairview
We break down average solar pricing in Fairview.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fairview generally cost around 3.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Fairview, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,314, or $10,459 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With average savings of about $33,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fairview find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To get a free quote from a top solar company in Fairview, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fairview
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,776 |
| 3 years | $-2,700 |
| 5 years | $376 |
| 7 years | $3,452 |
| 9 years | $6,528 |
| 11 years | $9,603 |
| 13 years | $12,679 |
| 15 years | $15,755 |
| 17 years | $18,831 |
| 19 years | $21,907 |
| 21 years | $24,982 |
| 23 years | $28,058 |
| 25 years | $31,134 |
Top Solar Installers in Fairview
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Fairview
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fairview
For many Fairview homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fairview, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Fairview, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $37,313 | 7.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $50,140 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $63,161 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $76,376 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $89,785 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $103,389 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $117,187 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $131,180 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
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 Fairview, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fairview?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Fairview?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Fairview. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
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 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 buy 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.