Solar Panel Cost Guide in Laguna Hills, CA (2023 Update)
- Laguna Hills Solar Installation Cost: $5,512
- 25-Year Savings: $15,393
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Laguna Hills
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Laguna Hills.
The average cost of a solar system in Laguna Hills is 2.73 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Laguna Hills, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,504, or $7,871 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Laguna Hills see about $28,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free 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 Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,442 |
| 3 years | $-5,303 |
| 5 years | $-5,163 |
| 7 years | $-5,024 |
| 9 years | $-4,885 |
| 11 years | $-4,745 |
| 13 years | $-4,606 |
| 15 years | $-4,467 |
| 17 years | $-4,327 |
| 19 years | $-4,188 |
| 21 years | $-4,048 |
| 23 years | $-3,909 |
| 25 years | $-3,770 |
Top Solar Installers in Laguna Hills
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Laguna Hills:
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 Laguna Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Laguna Hills
The cost of installing a solar system in Laguna Hills can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,730. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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 falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Laguna Hills have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, 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 Laguna Hills is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
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 many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
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 Laguna Hills, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Laguna Hills?
The average cost of solar panels in Laguna Hills 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 like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Laguna Hills?
Solar panels aren't free in Laguna Hills, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Laguna Hills?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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 home 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.