Solar Panel Cost Guide in Irvine, CA (2023 Update)
- Irvine Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $13,571
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Irvine
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Irvine.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Irvine generally cost about 2.73. Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Irvine, the average price of going solar will be about $5,504 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $25,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Irvine, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Irvine
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,741 |
| 3 years | $-3,215 |
| 5 years | $-1,689 |
| 7 years | $-163 |
| 9 years | $1,363 |
| 11 years | $2,889 |
| 13 years | $4,415 |
| 15 years | $5,941 |
| 17 years | $7,467 |
| 19 years | $8,993 |
| 21 years | $10,519 |
| 23 years | $12,045 |
| 25 years | $13,571 |
Top Solar Installers in Irvine
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing solar panels on your own can be hard. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Irvine
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Irvine
For many Irvine homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Irvine, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Irvine homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Irvine is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 a lot of companies available in Irvine, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- 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 install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Irvine, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Irvine?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Irvine is currently $885,703, which means you could be looking at a value of about $36,314 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Irvine is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 usually 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.