Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carlsbad, CA (2024 Update)
- Carlsbad Solar Installation Cost: $6,837
- 25-Year Savings: $17,661
- Payback Period: 7.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carlsbad
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Carlsbad.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carlsbad typically cost around 3.Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Carlsbad, the average price of going solar will be about $6,837 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Carlsbad homeowners see about $31,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Carlsbad that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Carlsbad
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,178 |
| 3 years | $-1,860 |
| 5 years | $1,459 |
| 7 years | $4,777 |
| 9 years | $8,095 |
| 11 years | $11,413 |
| 13 years | $14,731 |
| 15 years | $18,050 |
| 17 years | $21,368 |
| 19 years | $24,686 |
| 21 years | $28,004 |
| 23 years | $31,322 |
| 25 years | $34,641 |
Top Solar Installers in Carlsbad
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Solar companies provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Carlsbad
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carlsbad
For many Carlsbad homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Carlsbad, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The brand and kind 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Carlsbad have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Carlsbad, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $33,955 | 7.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $45,662 | 7.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $57,564 | 7.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $69,659 | 7.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $81,949 | 7.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $94,434 | 7.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $107,112 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $119,985 | 6.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy 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.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Carlsbad, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carlsbad?
The average cost of solar panels in Carlsbad is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Carlsbad?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
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 Carlsbad is currently $1,437,725, which means you can expect a value of about $58,947 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Carlsbad is a rewarding investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.