Solar Panel Cost Guide in Laguna Beach, CA (Mar 2023)
- Laguna Beach Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $15,401
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Laguna Beach
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Laguna Beach.
The average cost of solar panels in Laguna Beach is 2.73 per watt. The average Laguna Beach homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,504 with the federal tax credit, or $7,871 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Laguna Beach can save about $28,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar company in Laguna Beach, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Laguna Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,667 |
| 3 years | $-2,995 |
| 5 years | $-1,323 |
| 7 years | $350 |
| 9 years | $2,022 |
| 11 years | $3,694 |
| 13 years | $5,367 |
| 15 years | $7,039 |
| 17 years | $8,711 |
| 19 years | $10,384 |
| 21 years | $12,056 |
| 23 years | $13,728 |
| 25 years | $15,401 |
Top Solar Installers in Laguna Beach
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Laguna Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Laguna Beach
There are several factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Laguna Beach, 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 figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $31,563 | 6.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $42,389 | 6.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $53,369 | 6.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $64,501 | 6.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $75,787 | 6.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $87,225 | 6.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $98,816 | 6.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $110,560 | 5.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Laguna Beach, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking 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 be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
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 Laguna Beach, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Laguna Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Laguna Beach is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Laguna Beach?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Laguna Beach?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.