Solar Panel Cost Guide in Huntington Beach, CA (2024 Update)
- Huntington Beach Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
- 25-Year Savings: $13,257
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Huntington Beach
See how much it might cost to go solar in Huntington Beach.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Huntington Beach is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Huntington Beach, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $7,006, or $10,019 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Huntington Beach based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Huntington Beach, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Huntington Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,821 |
| 3 years | $-3,451 |
| 5 years | $-1,082 |
| 7 years | $1,288 |
| 9 years | $3,657 |
| 11 years | $6,027 |
| 13 years | $8,396 |
| 15 years | $10,766 |
| 17 years | $13,135 |
| 19 years | $15,505 |
| 21 years | $17,874 |
| 23 years | $20,244 |
| 25 years | $22,613 |
Top Solar Installers in Huntington Beach
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Huntington Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Huntington Beach
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Huntington Beach is $7,006, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Huntington Beach, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.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 get 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. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Huntington Beach average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Huntington Beach homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Huntington Beach is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $23,888 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,239 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $40,785 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $49,525 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $58,459 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $67,588 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $76,911 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $86,428 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry 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.
- 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 solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Huntington Beach, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Huntington Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Huntington Beach is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property’s value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for 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 Huntington Beach?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.