Why the Central Valley is great for solar
We get 260+ sunny days a year. Cloud cover is minimal. Electricity rates in California are among the highest in the country.
The Central Valley is one of the best places in the US for solar return. Average output here is 5.5–6.0 kWh per square meter per day. That is very high.
Your two solar options
Traditional solar panels
This is what most homeowners install. Panels mount on a rack above your existing roof.
- Cost. $2.50–$3.50 per watt before tax credits.
- System size. 6–10 kW for a Central Valley home.
- Total before credits. $15,000–$35,000.
- After 30% federal credit. $10,500–$24,500.
- Payback. 6–10 years here.
- Lifespan. 25–30 years at 80%+ output.
Solar shingles (Tesla Solar Roof, GAF Energy)
Solar shingles replace your roof and make power at the same time. They look sleek. They also cost more.
- Cost. $20–$30 per square foot, roof and solar combined.
- Payback. Much longer than standard panels.
- Best for. New builds or full replacements where looks matter most.
Is your roof ready for solar?
Before any solar install, your roof needs to pass these checks:
- Remaining life. At least 15 years left. Replacing a roof under solar panels costs $2,000–$5,000 extra.
- Condition. No active leaks or damaged shingles.
- Direction. South-facing is best. West-facing is good. North-facing is not ideal.
- Shade. Minimal shading from trees or nearby buildings.
- Load. Your roof must hold 3–5 extra pounds per square foot.
Replace your roof first
If your roof is over 10–15 years old, replace it before you go solar. This is the most important tip on this page.
Here is why:
- Panel removal costs money. Taking panels off later runs $2,000–$5,000.
- Warranty risk. Solar installs can void your roof plan if not coordinated.
- One-trip savings. Doing both at once saves labor and permit fees.
- Better base. A fresh roof gives panels a clean, solid mount.
See the full breakdown: Should You Replace Your Roof Before Going Solar?
Financial incentives available now
- Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC). 30% of the total system cost, good through 2032.
- California Net Metering (NEM 3.0). Sell unused power back to the grid.
- Property tax break. Solar in California is exempt from property tax increases.
- Home value. Solar adds $15,000–$20,000 to most homes.
DeHart Roofing solar services
We coordinate your roof replacement and solar install at the same time. That saves you money and makes sure both systems work together. Our solar roofing service includes a full assessment and coordination with your solar installer.
We serve Turlock, Modesto, Ceres, and all of Stanislaus County. Get your free roof and solar assessment today.
Frequently asked questions
A typical 8 kW system costs $20,000–$28,000 before the 30% federal tax credit. After the credit, that drops to $14,000–$19,600. Payback is 6–10 years here.
Yes, if your roof is over 10–15 years old. Taking panels off later costs $2,000–$5,000. Doing both at once saves time and money.
Most panels are covered for 25–30 years. They still produce 80%+ of their rated power at that age. Many keep working past 30 years at lower output.