Solar Panel Cost Guide in Capitola, CA (2023 Update)
- Capitola Solar Installation Cost: $5,867
- 25-Year Savings: $20,464
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Capitola
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Capitola.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Capitola it's 2.73 per watt. The average Capitola homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,867 with the federal tax credit, or $8,390 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Capitola homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $33,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Capitola find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Capitola for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Capitola
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,814 |
| 3 years | $-2,707 |
| 5 years | $-601 |
| 7 years | $1,506 |
| 9 years | $3,612 |
| 11 years | $5,719 |
| 13 years | $7,825 |
| 15 years | $9,932 |
| 17 years | $12,038 |
| 19 years | $14,145 |
| 21 years | $16,251 |
| 23 years | $18,358 |
| 25 years | $20,464 |
Top Solar Installers in Capitola
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Capitola, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Capitola
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Capitola
For many Capitola homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Capitola, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Capitola, 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 determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Capitola average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Capitola is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. You may notice 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 larger companies.
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 | $39,491 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,961 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,583 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,359 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $94,287 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,368 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $122,602 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,989 | 5.0 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- 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 do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Capitola, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Capitola?
The average cost of solar panels in Capitola 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Capitola?
Solar panels aren't free in Capitola, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Capitola is currently $788,464, so you can look forward to a value of about $32,327 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Capitola is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.