• Fresno, CA, Goes Solar with SunPower®

    Solar energy production makes Fresno, CA, shine

The state of solar in Fresno

It should come as no surprise that the Golden State far outpaces other states when it comes to solar power. Sun-bathed cities like Fresno are why California ranks first in the nation for solar capacity, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), accounting for nearly half of all solar installations in the U.S.*

The state produces over four times more solar energy than second-place state Texas. Within California, the city of Fresno's clear skies and mild climate make it an especially bright spot for the solar power, with the third-highest residential rooftop-system adoption rates in the state.


How much solar energy does Fresno produce?

While Los Angeles boasts the largest installed generating capacity for solar energy in California, Fresno beats the City of Angels when it comes to pound-for-pound energy generation, creating an estimated 343 watts of solar power per person in 2018. Honolulu, HI, is the only city in the United States that produces more, with 606 watts per person.*

What are the advantages of going solar in Fresno?

Going solar in Fresno comes with a laundry list of benefits, supported by Fresno's perpetually sunny disposition. Fresno residents enjoy between 9.5 hours of sunlight per day in winter to nearly 15 glorious hours in summer. The city receives an average of 271 sunny days per year. In comparison, the average U.S. city receives only 205 sunny days.*

Putting solar on your roof or property can protect your wallet and prevent pollution. Solar panels can also increase the value of your home and protect you from rising energy rates. Be sure to talk to a local solar expert to learn how state and federal solar tax breaks, rebates, and incentives may lead to significant savings.

Solar power has become increasingly important in the wake of the climate crisis. When you go solar, you will reduce your carbon footprint now and in the future. Clean energy allows you to rely upon the San Joaquin Valley's ever-present sun without creating unnecessary greenhouse gases and other polluting emissions.

How much does solar cost in Fresno?

Solar panels in Fresno California

Now, let's talk about things that affect the cost of solar. The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors, such as:

  • Quality of the solar system's panels and parts

  • Quality of the system's warranty

  • Available roof space

  • The angle of the roof

  • Shading of the roof

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed price quotes from SunPower and third-party sources* for thousands of homeowners across the country.

In Fresno, we found that the cost of a 5 kW solar system ranges from $13,700 to $35,900 or, in other words, from $2.74 to $7.18 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

A solar system can completely offset your current energy usage, which means that in California, most home solar systems will pay for themselves in well under 10 years while continuing to produce electricity for more than 25 years.*

One factor we haven't mentioned yet is net metering, which is a billing agreement in which a utility company credits solar customers for their electricity. That means if your utility company offers net metering, you can earn money – usually in the form of credits to your monthly utility bill – for producing extra electricity with your solar system*.

Net metering benefits homeowners who do not use a lot of power during the day. Their solar panels generate electricity when the sun is out and transport it to the city's energy grid.

  • *. Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020
  • *. ENERGYSAGE, How to calculate solar panel payback period (ROI). March 2021
  • *. The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Your SunPower Dealer can help you determine if you qualify. You can also visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information.





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