Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hanford, CA (2024 Update)
- Hanford Solar Installation Cost: $7,139
- 25-Year Savings: $16,934
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hanford
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Hanford.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Hanford it’s 3 per watt.The average Hanford homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,139 with the federal tax credit, or $10,209 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Hanford can save around $29,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hanford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,778 |
| 3 years | $-3,055 |
| 5 years | $-332 |
| 7 years | $2,390 |
| 9 years | $5,113 |
| 11 years | $7,836 |
| 13 years | $10,558 |
| 15 years | $13,281 |
| 17 years | $16,004 |
| 19 years | $18,726 |
| 21 years | $21,449 |
| 23 years | $24,172 |
| 25 years | $26,894 |
Top Solar Installers in Hanford
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance over time.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Hanford:
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 Hanford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hanford
For many Hanford homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hanford, 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
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 crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hanford, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Hanford to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 decide on the company that offers 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 | $30,878 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $41,559 | 8.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $52,435 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $63,505 | 7.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $74,769 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $86,228 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $97,881 | 7.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $109,728 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Hanford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Hanford, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Hanford?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Hanford?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Hanford. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,534.50 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.