Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mendota, CA (2024 Update)

  • Mendota Solar Installation Cost: $7,234
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,639
  • Payback Period: 6.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 20, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mendota

We break down average solar pricing in Mendota.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Mendota is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Mendota, most homeowners require a 3.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,234, or $10,345 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.With average savings of about $34,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mendota find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Mendota

YearReturn 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 Mendota

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 Mendota

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mendota

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Mendota: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,470. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, 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

If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Mendota, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$37,8887.1 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$50,9067.0 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$64,1196.9 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$77,5256.7 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$91,1266.6 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$104,9226.5 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$118,9116.3 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$133,0956.2 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. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
  • 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 previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Mendota, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mendota?

The average cost of solar panels in Mendota 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important thing to consider 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 areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will solar panels impact the value of my home?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Mendota is currently $289,335, which means you can look forward to a value of about $11,863 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Mendota is a worthwhile investment.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.