Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cambria, CA (Mar 2023)
- Cambria Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $20,827
- Payback Period: 5.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cambria
We break down average solar pricing in Cambria.
The average cost of solar panels in Cambria is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $5,504 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Cambria homeowners. 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. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $35,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installation company in Cambria, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cambria
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,450 |
| 3 years | $-2,344 |
| 5 years | $-237 |
| 7 years | $1,869 |
| 9 years | $3,975 |
| 11 years | $6,082 |
| 13 years | $8,188 |
| 15 years | $10,295 |
| 17 years | $12,401 |
| 19 years | $14,508 |
| 21 years | $16,614 |
| 23 years | $18,721 |
| 25 years | $20,827 |
Top Solar Installers in Cambria
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Cambria
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cambria
There are several criteria that can affect your 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
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Cambria, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Cambria, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect your pricing. Cambria's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $43,009 | 5.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $57,651 | 5.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $72,446 | 5.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $87,394 | 5.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $102,494 | 5.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $117,748 | 4.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $133,154 | 4.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $148,714 | 4.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Cambria, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cambria?
The average cost of solar panels in Cambria is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cambria?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,831.12 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 install 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.