Solar Panel Cost Guide in Aliso Viejo, CA (Mar 2023)
- Aliso Viejo Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $15,401
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Aliso Viejo
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Aliso Viejo.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Aliso Viejo is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Aliso Viejo is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,504 for a solar installation, or $7,871 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Aliso Viejo based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With average savings of about $28,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Aliso Viejo find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Aliso Viejo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,667 |
| 3 years | $-2,995 |
| 5 years | $-1,323 |
| 7 years | $350 |
| 9 years | $2,022 |
| 11 years | $3,694 |
| 13 years | $5,367 |
| 15 years | $7,039 |
| 17 years | $8,711 |
| 19 years | $10,384 |
| 21 years | $12,056 |
| 23 years | $13,728 |
| 25 years | $15,401 |
Top Solar Installers in Aliso Viejo
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Aliso Viejo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Aliso Viejo
There are several factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can affect how much it costs. Aliso Viejo's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Aliso Viejo are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $31,563 | 6.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $42,389 | 6.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $53,369 | 6.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $64,501 | 6.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $75,787 | 6.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $87,225 | 6.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $98,816 | 6.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $110,560 | 5.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Aliso Viejo, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Aliso Viejo?
The average cost of solar panels in Aliso Viejo 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Aliso Viejo?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.