Solar Panel Cost Guide in Atascadero, CA (Mar 2023)
- Atascadero Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $20,827
- Payback Period: 5.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Atascadero
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Atascadero.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Atascadero it's 2.73 per watt. Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Atascadero, the average price of going solar will be about $5,504 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Atascadero see about $35,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Atascadero for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Atascadero
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,450 |
| 3 years | $-2,344 |
| 5 years | $-237 |
| 7 years | $1,869 |
| 9 years | $3,975 |
| 11 years | $6,082 |
| 13 years | $8,188 |
| 15 years | $10,295 |
| 17 years | $12,401 |
| 19 years | $14,508 |
| 21 years | $16,614 |
| 23 years | $18,721 |
| 25 years | $20,827 |
Top Solar Installers in Atascadero
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer 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 Atascadero
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Atascadero
Although the average cost of a solar system in Atascadero is $5,504, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Atascadero. 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 have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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 add-ons 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 Atascadero homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
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 Atascadero is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Some companies 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 find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $43,009 | 5.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $57,651 | 5.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $72,446 | 5.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $87,394 | 5.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $102,494 | 5.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $117,748 | 4.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $133,154 | 4.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $148,714 | 4.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- 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 adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Atascadero, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Atascadero?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
How many solar panels should I get 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 buy 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.