Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dana Point, CA (2023 Update)
- Dana Point Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $16,469
- Payback Period: 6.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dana Point
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Dana Point.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Dana Point it's 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Dana Point, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,504, or $7,871 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Dana Point homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With average savings of about $29,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dana Point find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Dana Point, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dana Point
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,625 |
| 3 years | $-2,867 |
| 5 years | $-1,109 |
| 7 years | $649 |
| 9 years | $2,406 |
| 11 years | $4,164 |
| 13 years | $5,922 |
| 15 years | $7,680 |
| 17 years | $9,437 |
| 19 years | $11,195 |
| 21 years | $12,953 |
| 23 years | $14,711 |
| 25 years | $16,469 |
Top Solar Installers in Dana Point
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Dana Point
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dana Point
Although the average cost of a solar system in Dana Point is $5,504, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Dana Point offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Dana Point is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $33,784 | 6.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $45,351 | 6.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $57,071 | 6.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $68,943 | 6.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $80,969 | 6.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $93,148 | 5.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $105,479 | 5.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $117,963 | 5.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Dana Point, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
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 Dana Point, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dana Point?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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.