Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fresno, CA (2024 Update)
- Fresno Solar Installation Cost: $7,234
- 25-Year Savings: $20,639
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fresno
We go over average solar pricing in Fresno.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fresno, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Since a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Fresno, the average price of going solar will be about $7,234 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Fresno homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Fresno can save about $34,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fresno
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,696 |
| 3 years | $-2,621 |
| 5 years | $455 |
| 7 years | $3,531 |
| 9 years | $6,607 |
| 11 years | $9,683 |
| 13 years | $12,758 |
| 15 years | $15,834 |
| 17 years | $18,910 |
| 19 years | $21,986 |
| 21 years | $25,062 |
| 23 years | $28,137 |
| 25 years | $31,213 |
Top Solar Installers in Fresno
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Fresno
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fresno
For many Fresno homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fresno, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various 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 a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Fresno to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $37,888 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $50,906 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $64,119 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $77,525 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $91,126 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $104,922 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $118,911 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $133,095 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer 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.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Fresno, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fresno?
The average cost of solar panels in Fresno is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Fresno have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 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.