Solar Panel Cost Guide in Huntington Beach, CA (2023 Update)
- Huntington Beach Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $13,265
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Huntington Beach
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Huntington Beach.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Huntington Beach typically cost around 2.73. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Huntington Beach, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,504, or $7,871 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Huntington Beach homeowners see about $25,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Huntington Beach that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Huntington Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,753 |
| 3 years | $-3,251 |
| 5 years | $-1,750 |
| 7 years | $-248 |
| 9 years | $1,253 |
| 11 years | $2,755 |
| 13 years | $4,256 |
| 15 years | $5,758 |
| 17 years | $7,259 |
| 19 years | $8,761 |
| 21 years | $10,262 |
| 23 years | $11,764 |
| 25 years | $13,265 |
Top Solar Installers in Huntington Beach
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Huntington Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Huntington Beach
The cost of installing a solar system in Huntington Beach can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Huntington Beach average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Huntington Beach provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Huntington Beach, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $27,120 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $36,466 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $45,965 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $55,617 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $65,421 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $75,379 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $85,489 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $95,752 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Huntington Beach, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
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 Huntington Beach, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Huntington Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Huntington Beach 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Huntington Beach?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.