Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fresno, TX (2024 Update)
- Fresno Solar Installation Cost: $17,743
- 25-Year Savings: $22,855
- Payback Period: 11.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fresno
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Fresno.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fresno, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Fresno homeowner needs a 7.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,743 with the federal tax credit, or $25,372 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Fresno homeowners see about $20,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Fresno, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fresno
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,322 |
| 3 years | $-13,479 |
| 5 years | $-10,637 |
| 7 years | $-7,795 |
| 9 years | $-4,953 |
| 11 years | $-2,111 |
| 13 years | $731 |
| 15 years | $3,574 |
| 17 years | $6,416 |
| 19 years | $9,258 |
| 21 years | $12,100 |
| 23 years | $14,942 |
| 25 years | $17,784 |
Top Solar Installers in Fresno
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. 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
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 Fresno
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fresno
For many Fresno homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on 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 significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Fresno average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Fresno provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fresno is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.46 | $14,545 | $14,769 | 12.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $20,064 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $25,547 | 11.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $31,215 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $37,071 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $43,112 | 11.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $49,341 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $55,755 | 10.7 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 choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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
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 Fresno, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fresno?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 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 flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $977.13 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 account for 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.