Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hilmar-Irwin, CA (2024 Update)
- Hilmar-Irwin Solar Installation Cost: $7,197
- 25-Year Savings: $19,700
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hilmar-Irwin
We break down average solar pricing in Hilmar-Irwin.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Hilmar-Irwin generally cost around 3.The average solar panel system size in Hilmar-Irwin is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,197 for a solar installation, or $10,292 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Hilmar-Irwin can save about $33,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Hilmar-Irwin
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,659 |
| 3 years | $-2,584 |
| 5 years | $492 |
| 7 years | $3,568 |
| 9 years | $6,644 |
| 11 years | $9,720 |
| 13 years | $12,795 |
| 15 years | $15,871 |
| 17 years | $18,947 |
| 19 years | $22,023 |
| 21 years | $25,099 |
| 23 years | $28,174 |
| 25 years | $31,250 |
Top Solar Installers in Hilmar-Irwin
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Hilmar-Irwin:
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 Hilmar-Irwin
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hilmar-Irwin
The cost of installing a solar system in Hilmar-Irwin can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,470 per kilowatt in Hilmar-Irwin.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Hilmar-Irwin, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $36,200 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,655 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,305 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,148 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,187 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,419 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $113,846 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,467 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- 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: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Hilmar-Irwin, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hilmar-Irwin?
This is a tough 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Hilmar-Irwin?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Hilmar-Irwin. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Hilmar-Irwin have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
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.