Solar Panel Cost Guide in Aliso Viejo, CA (2024 Update)
- Aliso Viejo Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
- 25-Year Savings: $15,393
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Aliso Viejo
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Aliso Viejo.
The average cost of solar panels in Aliso Viejo is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Aliso Viejo is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,006 for a solar installation, or $10,019 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with.With average savings of about $28,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Aliso Viejo find going solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Aliso Viejo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,347 |
| 3 years | $-2,028 |
| 5 years | $1,290 |
| 7 years | $4,608 |
| 9 years | $7,926 |
| 11 years | $11,244 |
| 13 years | $14,563 |
| 15 years | $17,881 |
| 17 years | $21,199 |
| 19 years | $24,517 |
| 21 years | $27,835 |
| 23 years | $31,154 |
| 25 years | $34,472 |
Top Solar Installers in Aliso Viejo
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Aliso Viejo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Aliso Viejo
There are a number of criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Aliso Viejo average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Aliso Viejo to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $28,330 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $38,162 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $48,189 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $58,410 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $68,825 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $79,434 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $90,238 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $101,236 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Aliso Viejo, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Aliso Viejo?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Aliso Viejo have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.