Solar Panel Cost Guide in Isla Vista, CA (2023 Update)
- Isla Vista Solar Installation Cost: $5,378
- 25-Year Savings: $17,172
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Isla Vista
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Isla Vista.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Isla Vista is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Isla Vista, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,370, or $7,679 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Isla Vista depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Isla Vista can save about $30,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Isla Vista
| 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 Isla Vista
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another advantage of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Isla Vista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Isla Vista
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Isla Vista: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 around $2,730. The type 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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Isla Vista average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Isla Vista offer 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 important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
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 Isla Vista is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Additionally, some companies in Isla Vista are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $36,151 | 6.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $48,507 | 6.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $61,017 | 6.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $73,678 | 5.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $86,493 | 5.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $99,461 | 5.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $112,582 | 5.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $125,855 | 5.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven 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 positive reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly 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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Isla Vista, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Isla Vista?
The average cost of solar panels in Isla Vista 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Isla Vista?
You can't get solar panels for free in Isla Vista. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 house 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.