Solar in Fresno, CA

What to Consider When Choosing a Solar Installation Company in Fresno

When choosing a solar installation company to service your Fresno home, there are several important things to keep in mind. The median Fresno household size is 1,823 square feet; this factor will drive what size solar system is best for your home. And with 6,520 solar companies in the area, you can better understand the number of options you’ll have when choosing an installer.

In addition to house size and solar companies in the area, here are some other essential consideration factors to keep in mind when looking for a solar installation company in Fresno.

Size of the System You Need

When considering solar, you’ll need to know how many panels or what size solar system you need for your home. Palm Desert has an average of 2 people per home. When determining how many solar panels you’d need, you should have the following information ready before consulting with a company:

How much energy your household uses
How much space you have on your roof
How many hours of sun your home gets
The type of panels you wish to install

Also, tell your potential solar company how many people are in your household. Fresno has four people in the average household, so installers may use this average number as a benchmark for how much solar energy you need.

More info here: Evaluating Homeowner’s Solar Needs and Sizing the System

Solar Warranties

Solar companies offer different warranties on their products and services, but you can find some common themes among the most prominent companies. For example, most solar companies and vendors offer 25-year warranties for solar panel performance and factory defects. Warranties for other elements, such as battery and charge controllers, vary depending on the item and the manufacturer.

You may find that some companies also include extra insurance and protection options for situations like property damage during installation, since the installation process involves altering your existing structures to accommodate the technology and wiring. Workmanship guarantees usually come standard, but coverage length can vary as well.

If you plan to lease your solar system, most companies will cover all issues throughout the contract duration. Also, they will typically take responsibility for solar system maintenance.

Types of Solar Warranties

Depending on which solar company you choose, there will be differences in the warranties they offer, but you’ll notice similarities among many. For instance, it’s typical for most solar vendors and installers to offer 25-year warranties for solar panel performance and factory defects. Warranties for other parts, like battery and charge controllers, can differ depending on the item and manufacturer you choose.

Because installing solar panels requires modifying some of the existing structures of your home to help make space for the new technology and wiring, there may be additional insurance and protection options to cover property damage during installation, depending on which company you choose. Regardless of the installers you pick, a workmanship guarantee is usually a standard offering, but the coverage length can vary.

If you choose to lease your solar system, it’s common for most companies to cover all issues and required maintenance throughout the lease.

Manufacturer’s Equipment Warranty (Product Guarantee): Also known as a product warranty, a manufacturer’s equipment warranty typically covers manufacturing defects and panel failure and provides 25 years of protection for premium, high-quality solar panels.
Performance Warranty (Power Guarantee): This acts as a guarantee from the manufacturer that the panels you choose will maintain an output of a determined percentage of their original levels. This can usually range anywhere from 10 to 25 years and guarantee output percentages of around 90% after 10 years and around 80% after 25 years.
Workmanship Warranty: Also called an installation warranty, this addresses any solar system damage that occurred during installation. Coverages can typically range anywhere from two to 15 years or more.

Solar Panel Type

In addition to picking the solar installation company that’s best for you, you’ll also need to do some research to help determine which type of solar panels will work best for your home. The three main types of residential solar panels are monocrystalline, polycrystalline and thin-film. There is a newer, more expensive fourth option, solar roofing shingles, which is an aesthetically appealing option for those with a larger budget.

Monocrystalline solar panels are the most popular choice and have efficiency rates of 20% or more, making them the most efficient option. However, since they cost more to make than other types of solar panels, they typically are more expensive upfront.
Polycrystalline solar panels are less costly, but less efficient, than monocrystalline panels. Visually, there’s not much difference between the two, and they last almost just as long (warranties vary by brand, but will typically last around 25 years). Unlike monocrystalline panels, which each produce around 300 or more watts of power, polycrystalline panels typically only produce around 250 watts of power each.

Thin-film solar panels are a great, lightweight option for homeowners with a smaller budget, as they’re the cheapest of the three main options.

Solar shingles are a good option for those with a larger budget and aesthetics as a top priority. That said, while they’re more expensive, they’re less efficient, with only around 14% and 18% efficiency,

Cost

While monocrystalline solar panels top the list for efficiency, they cost the most with an average of $1 to $1.50 per watt. For a more budget-friendly option, a-Si thin-film is the cheapest option at $0.43 to $0.50 per watt.

On average, solar panels cost less than solar shingles. However, shingles offer a newer technology and installing them is more complex. Solar singles are generally considered a more visually appealing option as they appear more sleek and smooth on your roof than typical solar panels.

Fresno Home Energy Needs

Based on the size of the median Fresno household, which is 1,823 square feet, and the average energy usage per household in California, which is 542 kWh per household you can estimate how much energy your home might require. This information can help you determine which solar company can best take care of your home’s needs within your budget.

How to Find the Best Fresno Solar Installers

Finding the best solar installation company in Fresno is about prioritizing your needs and focusing on them throughout every conversation with a potential installer. Below are some tips for choosing the best installer for you.

Get Multiple Quotes

Price shopping is a must when purchasing solar panels, since your total cost could vary greatly depending on the company. We suggest requesting quotes from at least four or five installers so you can get an idea of the average cost in your area and select a company within your budget. Also, keep an eye out for suspiciously low quotes—if it sounds too good to be true, it likely is.

Read Reviews From Fresno Homeowners

Reviews from past customers are often the best resource for selecting a qualified solar installation company. Use websites like Google and Facebook to read reviews from previous clients, and don’t be afraid to request past customer testimonials directly from the company.

Choose an Established Reputable Solar Company

While some solar installation companies have been around for quite a few years, some up-and-coming companies are stepping onto the solar scene. While we don’t recommend against newer companies, you may be able to learn more about an established solar company through a history of reviews and testimonials.

Also worth mentioning is that more established and reputable companies may have a larger reach across the country (and more available installers) than companies just starting up.

Learn about Why Supreme Solar is Your Go-To Company for a Brighter, Greener Tomorrow

Fresno Federal Solar Incentives

The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is a crucial financial solar incentive for qualifying taxpayers who have installed solar energy systems during the period spanning from December 31st, 2021, to January 1st, 2033. After that, it reduces until it is scheduled to go away in 2035. Not only is it a substantial financial benefit, but the tax credit assists in promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility while helping taxpayers reduce their overall tax burden.

The ITC allows qualified solar energy system owners to claim a 30% tax credit on their income tax return. However, to qualify for this solar tax credit, you must own the system. In addition to the ITC, there are also state-specific incentives that may be available to reduce your tax burden further.

Fresno Local Solar Incentives

Fresno, California, is a city that is committed to the adoption of renewable energy. The city offers a range of local and state-level solar incentives to make solar power more accessible to its residents.

The Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP), for instance, provides financial incentives for various energy generation and storage technologies, including solar panels. These rebates of up to $200 per kilowatt hour (kWh) encourage homeowners and businesses to invest in clean energy solutions.

Additionally, the California Solar Property Tax Exemption ensures that property owners installing solar systems do not face increased property taxes thanks to the systems, making solar investments economically beneficial. These local solar incentives collectively contribute to Fresno’s transition towards renewable energy and sustainable living.

Learn more about Solar incentives, rebates, & tax credits in California

INCENTIVE

SAVINGS

EXPLANATION

TYPE

OCCURRENCE

Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP)

Up to $200 per kWh

Customers who install qualifying energy storage and self-generation systems can receive rebates of up to $200 per kWh

Rebate program

Point of purchase

Multifamily Affordable Solar Housing (MASH)

Up to $2 per watt

Offers financial incentives and support to property owners, developers and affordable housing providers who install solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on their multifamily properties.

Rebate program

Point of purchase

California Solar Property Tax Exemption

100% savings

The added value of a solar system is not included when determining the property’s assessed value for property tax purposes.

Property tax exemption

Ongoing after point of purchase

Net metering

Dollar-for-dollar credit

Allows you to get credit for any surplus power produced by your solar panels.

Solar energy credit

Applied to future energy bills

Federal Solar Investment Tax Credits

30% of the overall system costs

A tax credit equal to 30% of your solar system costs when you file your annual income tax return. Applies to solar systems installed between 12/31/2021 and 01/01/2033

Personal tax credit

Point of purchase

Solar Panel Costs in Fresno

If you live in the Fresno area and you’re trying to calculate how much solar panels will cost you, calculate the average cost of a solar system in your state (6kW/8kW/10kW/12kW), then factor in any possible federal solar tax credits. Finally, average your kWh usage per month. You can use Fresno metro’s average kWh as a baseline.

Nationally, solar panels cost around $16,000, or between $3,500 to $35,000, depending on the type and model.

SIZE OF SOLAR SYSTEM (KW)

AVERAGE ANNUAL SYSTEM OUTPUT* (KWH)

AVERAGE COST OF SOLAR SYSTEM (BEFORE TAX CREDIT)

COST WITH (30%) SOLAR TAX CREDIT APPLIED

6 kW

10,500 - 13,300

$10,435

$7,304

8 kW

10,500 - 13,300

$13,913

$9,739

12 kW

16,000 - 20,000

$20,869

$14,608

How Much Can Going Solar Save You in Fresno?

The savings involved in going solar are definitely a plus. But if you live in Fresno, you may be wondering how much you can actually save by installing solar panels. To get a better estimate of your potential savings, consider the average cost for grid power per kilowatt-hour, which is $0.22, in addition to the average household kWh usage per month, which is 542 kWh. With this information, you can better estimate how much power your home uses in comparison to the overall cost of grid power in your area.

Fresno residents who can rely exclusively on solar will save, on average, $1,145 per year. That assumes a 6kW system that’s paid off over 25 years. However, this doesn’t include any state-specific incentives that may be available in your area. Another reason to consider solar: Utility rates typically rise by 2.2% each year, so keep this in mind when calculating your potential savings.

DETAILS

COST AND SAVINGS

Average Cost of 6kW Solar System with Installation

$10,435

Fresno State Incentives (30%)

$3,130

Estimated System Cost (inc. Incentives)

$7,304

Break Even Period

5.1 years

20-Year Savings

$22,900

25-Year Savings

$28,625

* Depends on location and the amount of sun hours received

Are Solar Panels Worth It in Fresno?

While costs can be a lot up front, solar panels can help save you money on your energy bill in the long run. Considering that Fresno gets an average of 277 days of sun and the total potential savings of installing solar in Fresno, which is $1,145 annually, and how many solar installations occur in Fresno (around 6,945), you can determine if the cost and effort of installing solar will be worth the savings later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Happens If My Home Produces More Electricity Than I Need?

Most households generate between 250 and 400 watts of electricity. Typically, solar panel systems start with 1 kW and produce around 750 to 850 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. Larger homes with more occupants tend to generate closer to the upper end of this range.

So, if your home in Palm Desert, CA, generates surplus solar electricity, it’s generally a positive situation. Your household might be consuming less energy than usual, or you might have installed more solar panels than necessary. In such cases, the local energy provider may offer you a credit if you feed the excess power back into the community grid.

Do solar panels increase property taxes?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home, potentially leading to higher property taxes. However, it’s worth noting that homes equipped with solar systems are often eligible for tax credits, which can help offset any additional tax burdens.

How long will it take to break even after installing solar panels?

On average, it takes around eight years to recoup the upfront costs of installing solar panels, although this timeframe can vary from about six to 10 years.

How much solar panel output will my system generate every day?

You can use the following formula to estimate daily energy production from a solar panel:

Power in watts × average hours of direct sunlight = daily watt-hours

For instance, if a 300W solar panel receives six hours of sunlight per day, its total energy output can be calculated by multiplying 300Wh by 6, resulting in 1800Wh or 1.8kWh.

How long do solar panels last?

The longer your solar panels continue to produce electricity efficiently, the more money you’ll save. Most residential solar panels have a lifespan of 25 years before experiencing noticeable degradation in energy production.

GO SOLAR. GO SUPREME.

Break the grip of greedy utilities and power your home on your terms.