Solar Panel Cost Guide in Modesto, CA (2024 Update)
- Modesto Solar Installation Cost: $7,258
- 25-Year Savings: $20,102
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Modesto
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Modesto.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Modesto it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Modesto is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,258 for a solar installation, or $10,379 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Modesto homeowner can save around $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Modesto
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,945 |
| 3 years | $-3,320 |
| 5 years | $-695 |
| 7 years | $1,930 |
| 9 years | $4,556 |
| 11 years | $7,181 |
| 13 years | $9,806 |
| 15 years | $12,431 |
| 17 years | $15,056 |
| 19 years | $17,681 |
| 21 years | $20,307 |
| 23 years | $22,932 |
| 25 years | $25,557 |
Top Solar Installers in Modesto
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Modesto
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Modesto
For many Modesto homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Modesto, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Modesto, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Modesto to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Modesto is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Companies that 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 choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $36,675 | 7.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $49,288 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $62,096 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $75,099 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $88,295 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $101,686 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $115,271 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $129,051 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Modesto, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
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 Modesto, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Modesto?
The average cost of solar panels in Modesto is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Modesto?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Modesto have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.