Solar Panel Cost Guide in Agua Dulce, CA (2023 Update)
- Agua Dulce Solar Installation Cost: $5,444
- 25-Year Savings: $13,325
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Agua Dulce
We go over average solar pricing in Agua Dulce.
The average cost of solar panels in Agua Dulce is 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Agua Dulce, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,446, or $7,788 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Agua Dulce homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $25,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Agua Dulce find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Agua Dulce, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Agua Dulce
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,260 |
| 3 years | $-1,890 |
| 5 years | $479 |
| 7 years | $2,849 |
| 9 years | $5,218 |
| 11 years | $7,588 |
| 13 years | $9,957 |
| 15 years | $12,327 |
| 17 years | $14,696 |
| 19 years | $17,066 |
| 21 years | $19,435 |
| 23 years | $21,805 |
| 25 years | $24,174 |
Top Solar Installers in Agua Dulce
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra time and handiness. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Agua Dulce
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Agua Dulce
Although the average cost of a solar system in Agua Dulce is $5,446, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Agua Dulce, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Agua Dulce, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Agua Dulce homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Agua Dulce, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.84 | $11,925 | $27,602 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,109 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $46,769 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $56,581 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $66,546 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $76,664 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $86,935 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $97,359 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Agua Dulce, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Agua Dulce?
The average cost of solar panels in Agua Dulce is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Agua Dulce, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.