Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fullerton, CA (2023 Update)
- Fullerton Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $14,553
- Payback Period: 6.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fullerton
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Fullerton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Fullerton typically cost about 2.73. Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $5,504 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. With average savings of about $26,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fullerton find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Fullerton for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Fullerton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,701 |
| 3 years | $-3,097 |
| 5 years | $-1,492 |
| 7 years | $112 |
| 9 years | $1,717 |
| 11 years | $3,321 |
| 13 years | $4,926 |
| 15 years | $6,530 |
| 17 years | $8,135 |
| 19 years | $9,739 |
| 21 years | $11,344 |
| 23 years | $12,948 |
| 25 years | $14,553 |
Top Solar Installers in Fullerton
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Fullerton, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Fullerton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fullerton
For many Fullerton homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fullerton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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 add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Fullerton, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Fullerton, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $29,798 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $40,037 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $50,428 | 6.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $60,972 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $71,669 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $82,519 | 6.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $93,522 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $104,678 | 6.2 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. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
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 Fullerton, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Fullerton?
The average cost of solar panels in Fullerton 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Fullerton, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 how much 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.