Solar Panel Cost Guide in Calabasas, CA (Mar 2023)
- Calabasas Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $14,723
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Calabasas
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Calabasas.
The average cost of a solar system in Calabasas is 2.73 per watt. Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Calabasas, the average price of going solar will be about $5,446 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Calabasas can save around $27,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Calabasas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,640 |
| 3 years | $-3,026 |
| 5 years | $-1,413 |
| 7 years | $201 |
| 9 years | $1,814 |
| 11 years | $3,428 |
| 13 years | $5,042 |
| 15 years | $6,655 |
| 17 years | $8,269 |
| 19 years | $9,882 |
| 21 years | $11,496 |
| 23 years | $13,109 |
| 25 years | $14,723 |
Top Solar Installers in Calabasas
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Calabasas, optimizing your ROI.
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 in Calabasas:
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 Calabasas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Calabasas
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Calabasas: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Calabasas, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Calabasas, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Calabasas, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits 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 | $30,551 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $41,040 | 6.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $51,682 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $62,477 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $73,425 | 6.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $84,526 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $95,779 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $107,186 | 6.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Calabasas, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Calabasas?
The average cost of solar panels in Calabasas 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Calabasas is currently $1,054,339, so you can look forward to a value of about $43,228 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Calabasas is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.