Solar Panel Cost Guide in Calabasas, CA (2023 Update)
- Calabasas Solar Installation Cost: $5,444
- 25-Year Savings: $14,724
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Calabasas
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Calabasas.
In Calabasas, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $5,446 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Calabasas homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Calabasas homeowner can save around $27,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Calabasas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,377 |
| 3 years | $-5,243 |
| 5 years | $-5,108 |
| 7 years | $-4,974 |
| 9 years | $-4,839 |
| 11 years | $-4,705 |
| 13 years | $-4,571 |
| 15 years | $-4,436 |
| 17 years | $-4,302 |
| 19 years | $-4,167 |
| 21 years | $-4,033 |
| 23 years | $-3,898 |
| 25 years | $-3,764 |
Top Solar Installers in Calabasas
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you'd like to make the switch to 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
See all of the solar companies in Calabasas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Calabasas
For many Calabasas homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Calabasas, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Calabasas, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, 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 into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Calabasas homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Calabasas, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 large number of companies to choose from in Calabasas, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 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.