Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buellton, CA (2023 Update)
- Buellton Solar Installation Cost: $5,378
- 25-Year Savings: $17,172
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buellton
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Buellton.
In Buellton, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Buellton is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,370 for a solar installation, or $7,679 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Even with the high initial cost, the average Buellton homeowner can save around $30,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Buellton that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Buellton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-3,840 |
| 3 years | $-764 |
| 5 years | $2,311 |
| 7 years | $5,387 |
| 9 years | $8,463 |
| 11 years | $11,539 |
| 13 years | $14,615 |
| 15 years | $17,690 |
| 17 years | $20,766 |
| 19 years | $23,842 |
| 21 years | $26,918 |
| 23 years | $29,994 |
| 25 years | $33,069 |
Top Solar Installers in Buellton
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
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 near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Buellton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buellton
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Buellton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,730. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Buellton to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Buellton is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $36,151 | 6.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $48,507 | 6.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $61,017 | 6.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $73,678 | 5.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $86,493 | 5.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $99,461 | 5.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $112,582 | 5.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $125,855 | 5.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Buellton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Buellton, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Buellton?
This is a hard 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Buellton?
You can't get solar panels for free in Buellton. However, you may still be able to afford 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 you sell solar power back to the grid in Buellton?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.