Solar Panel Cost Guide in Capitola, CA (2024 Update)

  • Capitola Solar Installation Cost: $7,464
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,459
  • Payback Period: 7.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Capitola

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Capitola.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Capitola, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Capitola homeowner needs a 3.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,464 with the federal tax credit, or $10,674 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Capitola homeowner can save around $33,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Capitola

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,926
3 years $-2,850
5 years $226
7 years $3,302
9 years $6,378
11 years $9,453
13 years $12,529
15 years $15,605
17 years $18,681
19 years $21,757
21 years $24,832
23 years $27,908
25 years $30,984

Top Solar Installers in Capitola

Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for your family.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

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 depends 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 various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Capitola.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise 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 Capitola homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Capitola homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind 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 renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.61 $15,157 $36,259 7.4 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $48,734 7.2 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $61,403 7.1 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $74,267 6.9 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $87,325 6.8 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $100,577 6.7 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $114,024 6.5 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $127,665 6.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Capitola, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Capitola?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Capitola?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Capitola, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,713.87 per year.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.

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.

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