Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fallbrook, CA (2023 Update)
- Fallbrook Solar Installation Cost: $5,370
- 25-Year Savings: $15,535
- Payback Period: 6.4 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fallbrook
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Fallbrook.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Fallbrook it's 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Fallbrook is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,370 for a solar installation, or $7,679 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Fallbrook homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Fallbrook can save about $28,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Fallbrook
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,534 |
| 3 years | $-2,861 |
| 5 years | $-1,189 |
| 7 years | $483 |
| 9 years | $2,156 |
| 11 years | $3,828 |
| 13 years | $5,500 |
| 15 years | $7,173 |
| 17 years | $8,845 |
| 19 years | $10,518 |
| 21 years | $12,190 |
| 23 years | $13,862 |
| 25 years | $15,535 |
Top Solar Installers in Fallbrook
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and knowledge. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Fallbrook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fallbrook
For many Fallbrook homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fallbrook, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Fallbrook. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Fallbrook, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Fallbrook homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Fallbrook is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $32,636 | 6.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $43,820 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $55,157 | 6.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $66,647 | 6.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $78,290 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $90,086 | 6.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $102,035 | 5.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $114,137 | 5.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Fallbrook, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Fallbrook, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fallbrook?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Fallbrook?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford 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.
Is it worth going solar in Fallbrook?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.