Solar Panel Cost Guide in Arroyo Grande, CA (2025 Update)
- Arroyo Grande Solar Installation Cost: $6,986
- 25-Year Savings: $31,462
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Arroyo Grande
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Arroyo Grande.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Arroyo Grande it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $6,986 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $35,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Arroyo Grande find installing solar panels 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 Arroyo Grande
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,448 |
| 3 years | $-2,372 |
| 5 years | $704 |
| 7 years | $3,780 |
| 9 years | $6,855 |
| 11 years | $9,931 |
| 13 years | $13,007 |
| 15 years | $16,083 |
| 17 years | $19,159 |
| 19 years | $22,234 |
| 21 years | $25,310 |
| 23 years | $28,386 |
| 25 years | $31,462 |
Top Solar Installers in Arroyo Grande
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Arroyo Grande
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Arroyo Grande
While the average cost of a solar system in Arroyo Grande is $6,986, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Arroyo Grande, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Arroyo Grande homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Arroyo Grande homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Arroyo Grande, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $39,777 | 6.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $53,424 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $67,266 | 6.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $81,302 | 6.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $95,533 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $109,957 | 6.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $124,576 | 6.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $139,390 | 6.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Arroyo Grande, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Arroyo Grande?
The average cost of solar panels in Arroyo Grande is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,831.12 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.