Solar Panel Cost Guide in Irvine, CA (2023 Update)
- Irvine Solar Installation Cost: $5,512
- 25-Year Savings: $13,562
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Irvine
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Irvine.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Irvine, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Irvine, 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.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Irvine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,327 |
| 3 years | $-1,957 |
| 5 years | $412 |
| 7 years | $2,782 |
| 9 years | $5,151 |
| 11 years | $7,521 |
| 13 years | $9,890 |
| 15 years | $12,260 |
| 17 years | $14,629 |
| 19 years | $16,999 |
| 21 years | $19,368 |
| 23 years | $21,738 |
| 25 years | $24,107 |
Top Solar Installers in Irvine
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Irvine, we've organized 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
See all of the solar companies in Irvine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Irvine
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Irvine: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Irvine, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, 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
Most solar installers in Irvine offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Irvine, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, 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 | $27,755 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,312 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $47,023 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $56,886 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $66,902 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $77,071 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $87,393 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $97,868 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Irvine, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Irvine, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Irvine?
The average cost of solar panels in Irvine 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Irvine?
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 reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.