Solar Panel Cost Guide in Capitola, CA (2023 Update)
- Capitola Solar Installation Cost: $5,872
- 25-Year Savings: $20,459
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Capitola
We break down average solar pricing 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 solar panel system size in Capitola is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,867 for a solar installation, or $8,390 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Capitola can save around $33,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Capitola
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,334 |
| 3 years | $-1,258 |
| 5 years | $1,818 |
| 7 years | $4,893 |
| 9 years | $7,969 |
| 11 years | $11,045 |
| 13 years | $14,121 |
| 15 years | $17,197 |
| 17 years | $20,272 |
| 19 years | $23,348 |
| 21 years | $26,424 |
| 23 years | $29,500 |
| 25 years | $32,576 |
Top Solar Installers in Capitola
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Capitola
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Capitola
There are a number of factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in Capitola. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Capitola to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for 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 evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Capitola is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Capitola have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
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 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Capitola?
You can't get solar panels for free in Capitola. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Capitola have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount 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.