Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carmel Valley Village, CA (2023 Update)
- Carmel Valley Village Solar Installation Cost: $5,546
- 25-Year Savings: $20,785
- Payback Period: 5.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carmel Valley Village
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Carmel Valley Village.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Carmel Valley Village it's 2.73 per watt. Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Carmel Valley Village, the average price of going solar will be about $5,542 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With typical savings of about $34,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Carmel Valley Village find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carmel Valley Village
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,459 |
| 3 years | $-5,283 |
| 5 years | $-5,108 |
| 7 years | $-4,932 |
| 9 years | $-4,756 |
| 11 years | $-4,581 |
| 13 years | $-4,405 |
| 15 years | $-4,230 |
| 17 years | $-4,054 |
| 19 years | $-3,879 |
| 21 years | $-3,703 |
| 23 years | $-3,528 |
| 25 years | $-3,352 |
Top Solar Installers in Carmel Valley Village
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Carmel Valley Village
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carmel Valley Village
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Carmel Valley Village: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 around $2,730 per kilowatt in Carmel Valley Village. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Carmel Valley Village, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $42,509 | 5.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $56,984 | 5.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $71,612 | 5.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $86,394 | 5.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $101,328 | 5.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $116,414 | 5.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $131,654 | 4.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $147,047 | 4.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
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 Carmel Valley Village, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carmel Valley Village?
The average cost of solar panels in Carmel Valley Village is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Carmel Valley Village?
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 power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Carmel Valley Village, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 account for 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.