Solar Panel Cost Guide in Atascadero, CA (2024 Update)

  • Atascadero Solar Installation Cost: $6,986
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,835
  • Payback Period: 6.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Atascadero

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Atascadero.

The average cost of a solar system in Atascadero is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Atascadero is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,986 for a solar installation, or $9,990 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $35,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Atascadero find going solar has a decent ROI.

To get a free quote from a top solar company in Atascadero, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Atascadero

YearReturn 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 Atascadero

Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Atascadero:

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Atascadero

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Atascadero

The cost of installing a solar system in Atascadero can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Atascadero, one of the most crucial 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 gauge by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Atascadero, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Atascadero offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$39,7776.9 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$53,4246.8 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$67,2666.6 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$81,3026.5 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$95,5336.4 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$109,9576.2 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$124,5766.1 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$139,3906.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:

  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Atascadero, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Atascadero?

The average cost of solar panels in Atascadero 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 things like the type 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 Atascadero?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Is switching to solar power worth it?

Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 get 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.