Solar Panel Cost Guide in Porterville, CA (2024 Update)
- Porterville Solar Installation Cost: $7,187
- 25-Year Savings: $13,115
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Porterville
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Porterville.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Porterville, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Porterville homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,187 with the federal tax credit, or $10,277 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Porterville depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Porterville homeowners see about $24,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Porterville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Porterville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,002 |
| 3 years | $-3,633 |
| 5 years | $-1,263 |
| 7 years | $1,106 |
| 9 years | $3,476 |
| 11 years | $5,845 |
| 13 years | $8,215 |
| 15 years | $10,584 |
| 17 years | $12,954 |
| 19 years | $15,323 |
| 21 years | $17,693 |
| 23 years | $20,062 |
| 25 years | $22,432 |
Top Solar Installers in Porterville
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Porterville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Porterville
There are several criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. 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 searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Porterville to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.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’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to 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 names.
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 | $22,904 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $30,927 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $39,145 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $47,557 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $56,163 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $64,963 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $73,958 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $83,147 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Porterville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- 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 your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Porterville, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Porterville?
The average cost of solar panels in Porterville 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Porterville?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Porterville?
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.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.