Solar Panel Cost Guide in Reedley, CA (2024 Update)
- Reedley Solar Installation Cost: $7,234
- 25-Year Savings: $20,639
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Reedley
We go over average solar pricing in Reedley.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Reedley typically cost about 3.The average Reedley homeowner needs a 3.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,234 with the federal tax credit, or $10,345 before the 0 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 true cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $34,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Reedley find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Reedley for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Reedley
| Year | Return 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 Reedley
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and expertise. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Reedley, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Reedley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Reedley
There are many criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation use 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.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Reedley, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining your pricing. Reedley’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $37,888 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $50,906 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $64,119 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $77,525 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $91,126 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $104,922 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $118,911 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $133,095 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Reedley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Reedley?
The average cost of solar panels in Reedley 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 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 Reedley?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Reedley, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.