Solar Panel Cost Guide in Anaheim, CA (Mar 2023)
- Anaheim Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $15,068
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Anaheim
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Anaheim.
In Anaheim, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Anaheim, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,504, or $7,871 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Anaheim homeowners. The price 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. Even with the large initial cost, the average Anaheim homeowner can save about $27,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Anaheim
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,681 |
| 3 years | $-3,035 |
| 5 years | $-1,389 |
| 7 years | $256 |
| 9 years | $1,902 |
| 11 years | $3,548 |
| 13 years | $5,193 |
| 15 years | $6,839 |
| 17 years | $8,485 |
| 19 years | $10,130 |
| 21 years | $11,776 |
| 23 years | $13,422 |
| 25 years | $15,068 |
Top Solar Installers in Anaheim
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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
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 Anaheim
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Anaheim
For many Anaheim homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Anaheim, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Anaheim have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Anaheim have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $30,869 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $41,465 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $52,213 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $63,114 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $74,169 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $85,376 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $96,736 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $108,248 | 6.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Anaheim, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 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 $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model 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 Anaheim?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Anaheim?
Even though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.