Solar Panel Cost Guide in Garden Acres, CA (2023 Update)
- Garden Acres Solar Installation Cost: $5,790
- 25-Year Savings: $20,450
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Garden Acres
We break down average solar pricing in Garden Acres.
In Garden Acres, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Garden Acres is around 3.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,790 for a solar installation, or $8,280 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large upfront cost, the average Garden Acres homeowner can save around $33,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Garden Acres for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Garden Acres
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,741 |
| 3 years | $-2,641 |
| 5 years | $-542 |
| 7 years | $1,557 |
| 9 years | $3,656 |
| 11 years | $5,755 |
| 13 years | $7,855 |
| 15 years | $9,954 |
| 17 years | $12,053 |
| 19 years | $14,152 |
| 21 years | $16,251 |
| 23 years | $18,351 |
| 25 years | $20,450 |
Top Solar Installers in Garden Acres
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and know-how. Because of that, most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Garden Acres, the EcoWatch team has put together 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 Garden Acres
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Garden Acres
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Garden Acres: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Garden Acres homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Garden Acres is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. 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 prices because they have greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $40,104 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,777 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,604 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $81,583 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $95,715 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $110,001 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $124,439 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $139,030 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
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 Garden Acres, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Garden Acres?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Garden Acres?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.