Solar Panel Cost Guide in Guadalupe, CA (2023 Update)
- Guadalupe Solar Installation Cost: $5,378
- 25-Year Savings: $20,953
- Payback Period: 5.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Guadalupe
We break down average solar pricing in Guadalupe.
In Guadalupe, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Guadalupe 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.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Despite the large initial cost, the average Guadalupe homeowner can save about $36,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Guadalupe for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Guadalupe
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-3,840 |
| 3 years | $-764 |
| 5 years | $2,311 |
| 7 years | $5,387 |
| 9 years | $8,463 |
| 11 years | $11,539 |
| 13 years | $14,615 |
| 15 years | $17,690 |
| 17 years | $20,766 |
| 19 years | $23,842 |
| 21 years | $26,918 |
| 23 years | $29,994 |
| 25 years | $33,069 |
Top Solar Installers in Guadalupe
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some 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
See all of the solar companies in Guadalupe
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Guadalupe
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Guadalupe: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy 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 pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Guadalupe. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $44,212 | 5.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $59,255 | 5.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $74,451 | 5.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $89,800 | 5.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $105,302 | 4.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $120,957 | 4.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $136,764 | 4.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $152,725 | 4.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Guadalupe, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Guadalupe?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Guadalupe?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Guadalupe is currently $396,074, which means you can expect a value of about $16,239 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Guadalupe is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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.