Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brea, CA (Mar 2023)
- Brea Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $13,866
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brea
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Brea.
In Brea, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $5,504 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. With typical savings of about $26,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Brea find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Brea that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Brea
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,729 |
| 3 years | $-3,179 |
| 5 years | $-1,630 |
| 7 years | $-80 |
| 9 years | $1,469 |
| 11 years | $3,019 |
| 13 years | $4,569 |
| 15 years | $6,118 |
| 17 years | $7,668 |
| 19 years | $9,217 |
| 21 years | $10,767 |
| 23 years | $12,316 |
| 25 years | $13,866 |
Top Solar Installers in Brea
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and expertise. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Brea
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brea
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Brea is $5,504, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,730. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Brea homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Brea homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
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 Brea is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Some companies 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the 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 | $28,370 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $38,133 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $48,048 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $58,116 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $68,337 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,711 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $89,238 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,918 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Brea, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
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 Brea, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Brea?
The average cost of solar panels in Brea 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Brea?
You can't get solar panels for free in Brea. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,343.16 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.