Solar Panel Cost Guide in Laguna Beach, CA (2024 Update)
- Laguna Beach Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
- 25-Year Savings: $15,393
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Laguna Beach
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Laguna Beach.
The average cost of solar panels in Laguna Beach is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Laguna Beach is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,006 for a solar installation, or $10,019 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Laguna Beach homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $28,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Laguna Beach find going solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Laguna Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,505 |
| 3 years | $-2,503 |
| 5 years | $499 |
| 7 years | $3,501 |
| 9 years | $6,503 |
| 11 years | $9,505 |
| 13 years | $12,507 |
| 15 years | $15,509 |
| 17 years | $18,511 |
| 19 years | $21,513 |
| 21 years | $24,515 |
| 23 years | $27,517 |
| 25 years | $30,519 |
Top Solar Installers in Laguna Beach
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Laguna Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Laguna Beach
The cost of installing a solar system in Laguna Beach can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in Laguna Beach.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get 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
Most solar companies in Laguna Beach have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.It’s wise 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Laguna Beach’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $28,330 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $38,162 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $48,189 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $58,410 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $68,825 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $79,434 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $90,238 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $101,236 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
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 Laguna Beach, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Laguna Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Laguna 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Laguna Beach?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Laguna Beach. 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Laguna Beach?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.