Solar Panel Cost Guide in Anaheim, CA (2024 Update)
- Anaheim Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
- 25-Year Savings: $15,059
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Anaheim
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Anaheim.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Anaheim it’s 3 per watt.Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Anaheim, the average price of going solar will be about $7,006 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Anaheim depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $27,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Anaheim find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Anaheim
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,856 |
| 3 years | $-3,556 |
| 5 years | $-1,256 |
| 7 years | $1,044 |
| 9 years | $3,344 |
| 11 years | $5,644 |
| 13 years | $7,944 |
| 15 years | $10,244 |
| 17 years | $12,544 |
| 19 years | $14,844 |
| 21 years | $17,144 |
| 23 years | $19,444 |
| 25 years | $21,744 |
Top Solar Installers in Anaheim
When going solar, many homeowners opt to go with a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some 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 Anaheim
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Anaheim
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Anaheim: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Anaheim average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to factor 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 how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Anaheim, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $27,637 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $37,238 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $47,033 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $57,023 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $67,207 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $77,585 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $88,158 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $98,924 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Anaheim, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Anaheim?
The average cost of solar panels in Anaheim is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Anaheim?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Anaheim?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Anaheim?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.