Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buena Park, CA (2024 Update)
- Buena Park Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
- 25-Year Savings: $15,059
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buena Park
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Buena Park.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Buena Park, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Buena Park is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,006 for a solar installation, or $10,019 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $27,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Buena Park find investing in solar can pay off big.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Buena Park, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buena Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,821 |
| 3 years | $-3,451 |
| 5 years | $-1,082 |
| 7 years | $1,288 |
| 9 years | $3,657 |
| 11 years | $6,027 |
| 13 years | $8,396 |
| 15 years | $10,766 |
| 17 years | $13,135 |
| 19 years | $15,505 |
| 21 years | $17,874 |
| 23 years | $20,244 |
| 25 years | $22,613 |
Top Solar Installers in Buena Park
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Buena Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buena Park
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Buena Park is $7,006, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Buena Park to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
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 Buena Park is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $27,637 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $37,238 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $47,033 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $57,023 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $67,207 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $77,585 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $88,158 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $98,924 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Buena Park, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- 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 project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Buena Park, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Buena Park?
The average cost of solar panels in Buena Park 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 such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial 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 areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Buena Park?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.