Solar power is Modesto’s latest crop

The state of solar in Modesto

With an average of 260 sunny days per year, more than 26% higher than the national average,^*Best Places. Modesto, CA, Climate. May 2021. over 62,000 rooftops, or 95%, in the city of Modesto are solar viable.^*Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018). The area has a long-standing commitment to green energy. For example, the Modesto Irrigation District (MID), which provides electricity, irrigation and drinking water for the city, has a 25-year contract with the McHenry Solar PV Plant.^*Renewable Trust. McHenry Solar PV Plant. May 2021.

How much solar power does Modesto produce?

With .25 kW of installed solar power per capita, Modesto has approximately 53.8 MW of solar capacity. The 25 MW McHenry Solar PV Plant alone produces more than 66,000 MWh of clean energy per year.

What are the advantages of going solar in Modesto?

Electricity rates in Modesto average around 17.75 cents per kWh, which is 15.71% higher than the average in California and 49.41% higher than the national average.^*Electricity Local. Modesto, CA Electricity Statistics. May 2021. Rates are so high, in fact, that energy provider MID has faced multiple class-action lawsuits for allegedly overcharging customers, one of which it lost in 2019.^*The Modesto Bee. Second class-action lawsuit challenges MID subsidy. April 2016. Fitch Ratings. Fitch Rates Modesto Irrigation District, CA's Electric Sys Ref Rev Bonds 'AA-'; Outlook Stable. Proposition 26 Lawsuit. July 2020.

Given the abundance of sunshine and high electricity rates, a 5 kW solar system in Modesto could generate electricity cost savings of up to $51,000 over 20 years and ultimately for itself in less than a decade.^*Energy Sage. Solar Panels in Modesto, CA. May 2021.

Solar power also has a wide application range in Modesto, especially in the agricultural sector. Customers can implement solar systems to reduce crop production costs and maximize profits while providing a reliable source of energy.

How much does solar cost in Modesto?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors, including:

• Available unshaded roof space

• Local weather and HOA

• Quality and size of the solar system

• Household’s energy needs

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 In Modesto, we found that the cost of purchasing a 5 kW solar system ranges from $13,650 to $23,300, or in other words, from $2.73 to $4.66 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives that may be available to you.^*Incentives, rebates, and tax credits vary and are subject to change. Please visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information.

Customers can apply for various incentives, tax credits, and rebates to reduce solar costs in Modesto. The federal solar tax credit is among the most significant incentives for Modesto solar customers. If qualified, you can request a dollar-for-dollar reduction on your federal income taxes equal to 30% of your total solar installation costs if you purchase your solar system.^*Tax credits subject to change. Please visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information.

Other incentives to reduce your solar costs include the Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) and a tax exclusion on the added property value of a solar installation. Customers eligible for the SGIP could receive up to $200 per kWh.^*Local incentives and rebates vary and are subject to change. You can visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information.

Low-income Modesto households may also be able to take advantage of a cash rebate for every kilowatt of solar power they install with the single-family affordable solar housing (SASH) incentive.^*Local incentives and rebates vary and are subject to change. You can visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information.

What's the best way to go solar in Modesto?

After deciding to go solar, the next step is to select the correct solar system for your needs. Every solar system is unique, and the efficiency, durability, and quality of your system depend heavily on the solar provider you choose.

When sizing a new solar system, you’ll need to consider your home or business's electricity needs, the unshaded roof space you have available, and your budget. Your goals regarding the supply of electricity to the city grid and energy storage are also a factor.

Reputable solar companies will help you choose the perfect solar system through in-person or online consultations and custom solar designs. During the consultation, and before signing a contract, you should receive a system design, monthly electric bill savings estimate, price quote, an overview of available incentives and tax credits.

At SunPower, we can guide you through the process of going solar in Modesto. Simply request a free consultation below to start the process of switching to clean, solar energy. Next, we’ll contact you to schedule a convenient time for the consultation. You’re also welcome to call us directly at (800) 786-7693.