Solar Panel Cost Guide in Del Monte Forest, CA (2023 Update)

  • Del Monte Forest Solar Installation Cost: $5,542
  • 25-Year Savings: $20,789
  • Payback Period: 5.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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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 Del Monte Forest

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Del Monte Forest.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Del Monte Forest generally cost around 2.73. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Del Monte Forest, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,542, or $7,925 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Del Monte Forest homeowners see about $34,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Del Monte Forest

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-4,489
3 years $-2,382
5 years $-276
7 years $1,831
9 years $3,937
11 years $6,044
13 years $8,150
15 years $10,257
17 years $12,363
19 years $14,470
21 years $16,576
23 years $18,683
25 years $20,789

Top Solar Installers in Del Monte Forest

Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be hard. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Del Monte Forest

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Del Monte Forest

Although the average cost of a solar system in Del Monte Forest is $5,542, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

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 energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Del Monte Forest. The brand and type of equipment you want 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 have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at 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 increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Del Monte Forest, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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 company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.

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 Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Del Monte Forest, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Del Monte Forest?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Del Monte Forest?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to 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 home 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 savings from going solar.

Does Del Monte Forest have a net metering program?

Each state has some form 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 power bills.

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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.

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