Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buena Park, CA (2023 Update)
- Buena Park Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $15,068
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buena Park
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Buena Park.
In Buena Park, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Buena Park is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,504 for a solar installation, or $7,871 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Buena Park can save about $27,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Buena Park for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Buena Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,681 |
| 3 years | $-3,035 |
| 5 years | $-1,389 |
| 7 years | $256 |
| 9 years | $1,902 |
| 11 years | $3,548 |
| 13 years | $5,193 |
| 15 years | $6,839 |
| 17 years | $8,485 |
| 19 years | $10,130 |
| 21 years | $11,776 |
| 23 years | $13,422 |
| 25 years | $15,068 |
Top Solar Installers in Buena Park
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since putting up a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and system component 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 Buena Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buena Park
The cost of installing a solar system in Buena Park can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Buena Park homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Buena Park, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers 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 | $30,869 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $41,465 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $52,213 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $63,114 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $74,169 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $85,376 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $96,736 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $108,248 | 6.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 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 $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 things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.