Solar Panel Cost Guide in Goleta, CA (2024 Update)
- Goleta Solar Installation Cost: $6,836
- 25-Year Savings: $15,912
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Goleta
We go over average solar pricing in Goleta.
The average cost of a solar system in Goleta is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Goleta is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,836 for a solar installation, or $9,775 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Goleta homeowner can save around $29,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Goleta
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,592 |
| 3 years | $-3,105 |
| 5 years | $-618 |
| 7 years | $1,869 |
| 9 years | $4,357 |
| 11 years | $6,844 |
| 13 years | $9,331 |
| 15 years | $11,818 |
| 17 years | $14,305 |
| 19 years | $16,793 |
| 21 years | $19,280 |
| 23 years | $21,767 |
| 25 years | $24,254 |
Top Solar Installers in Goleta
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you're looking for a solar company in Goleta, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Goleta
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Goleta
Though the average cost of a solar system in Goleta is $6,836, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Goleta average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Goleta offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s vital 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 final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Goleta, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $30,232 | 8.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $40,698 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $51,358 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $62,213 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $73,262 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $84,505 | 7.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $95,943 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $107,575 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Goleta, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Goleta?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost 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 go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Goleta?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Goleta?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.