Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fountain Valley, CA (2025 Update)

  • Fountain Valley Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,257
  • Payback Period: 9.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

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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 Fountain Valley

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Fountain Valley.

The average cost of a solar panel system in Fountain Valley is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Fountain Valley is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,006 for a solar installation, or $10,019 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Fountain Valley see about $25,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Fountain Valley, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Fountain Valley

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-5,821
3 years$-3,451
5 years$-1,082
7 years$1,288
9 years$3,657
11 years$6,027
13 years$8,396
15 years$10,766
17 years$13,135
19 years$15,505
21 years$17,874
23 years$20,244
25 years$22,613

Top Solar Installers in Fountain Valley

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

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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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 Fountain Valley

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fountain Valley

There are many factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,470. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Fountain Valley offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect the cost. Fountain Valley’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$23,8889.7 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$32,2399.5 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$40,7859.3 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$49,5259.1 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$58,4599.0 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$67,5888.8 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$76,9118.6 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$86,4288.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking 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 clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: When looking through 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 such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
  • 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 solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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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 for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Fountain Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fountain Valley?

The average cost of solar panels in Fountain Valley 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Fountain Valley?

Solar panels aren’t free in Fountain Valley, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Fountain Valley, 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.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.