Solar Panel Cost Guide in Turlock, CA (2024 Update)
- Turlock Solar Installation Cost: $7,258
- 25-Year Savings: $19,375
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Turlock
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Turlock.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Turlock generally cost around 3.Because a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Turlock, the average price of going solar will be about $7,258 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Turlock can save about $32,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Turlock, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Turlock
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-6,052 |
| 3 years | $-3,642 |
| 5 years | $-1,231 |
| 7 years | $1,179 |
| 9 years | $3,590 |
| 11 years | $6,000 |
| 13 years | $8,411 |
| 15 years | $10,821 |
| 17 years | $13,232 |
| 19 years | $15,642 |
| 21 years | $18,053 |
| 23 years | $20,463 |
| 25 years | $22,874 |
Top Solar Installers in Turlock
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Turlock, therefore optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Turlock:
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 Turlock
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Turlock
The cost of installing a solar system in Turlock can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Turlock average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Turlock have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Turlock, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $35,216 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $47,343 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $59,665 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $72,180 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $84,891 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $97,795 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $110,894 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $124,187 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds 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 Turlock, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Turlock?
The average cost of solar panels in Turlock 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 like the model 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 Turlock?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford 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 home 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.
Does Turlock have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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 should find out how much energy your home needs 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 house 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.