Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buellton, CA (Mar 2023)
- Buellton Solar Installation Cost: $5,370
- 25-Year Savings: $17,180
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buellton
We go over average solar pricing in Buellton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Buellton, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. The average Buellton homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,370 with the federal tax credit, or $7,679 before the 30% 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 large initial cost, the average Buellton homeowner can save about $30,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Buellton for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Buellton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,468 |
| 3 years | $-2,664 |
| 5 years | $-860 |
| 7 years | $944 |
| 9 years | $2,748 |
| 11 years | $4,552 |
| 13 years | $6,356 |
| 15 years | $8,160 |
| 17 years | $9,964 |
| 19 years | $11,768 |
| 21 years | $13,572 |
| 23 years | $15,376 |
| 25 years | $17,180 |
Top Solar Installers in Buellton
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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
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 Buellton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buellton
There are a number of factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,730. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Buellton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Buellton offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. It's wise to include 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Buellton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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
The solar installer you go with 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 a few important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on 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: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Buellton, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Buellton?
The average cost of solar panels in Buellton is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Buellton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Buellton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Buellton?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.