Solar Panel Cost Guide in Apple Valley, CA (2023 Update)
- Apple Valley Solar Installation Cost: $5,485
- 25-Year Savings: $15,704
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Apple Valley
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Apple Valley.
The average cost of a solar system in Apple Valley is 2.73 per watt. The average Apple Valley homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,485 with the federal tax credit, or $7,844 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Apple Valley depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Apple Valley homeowner can save about $28,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Apple Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,637 |
| 3 years | $-2,942 |
| 5 years | $-1,247 |
| 7 years | $448 |
| 9 years | $2,143 |
| 11 years | $3,838 |
| 13 years | $5,533 |
| 15 years | $7,228 |
| 17 years | $8,923 |
| 19 years | $10,618 |
| 21 years | $12,314 |
| 23 years | $14,009 |
| 25 years | $15,704 |
Top Solar Installers in Apple Valley
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Apple Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Apple Valley
There are a number of criteria that can play into your total 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Apple Valley, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Apple Valley, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Apple Valley homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Apple Valley is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Companies that 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 at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $32,360 | 6.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $43,452 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $54,697 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $66,095 | 6.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $77,646 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $89,350 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $101,206 | 6.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $113,216 | 5.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Apple Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Apple Valley?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Apple Valley?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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 home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Apple Valley?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.