Solar Panel Cost Guide in Laguna Woods, CA (2023 Update)
- Laguna Woods Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $15,401
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Laguna Woods
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Laguna Woods.
In Laguna Woods, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Laguna Woods is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,504 for a solar installation, or $7,871 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $28,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Laguna Woods
| 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 Woods
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar company in Laguna Woods, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Laguna Woods
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Laguna Woods
Although the average cost of a solar system in Laguna Woods is $5,504, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Laguna Woods. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. 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
Most solar companies in Laguna Woods offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Laguna Woods, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
The solar company you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer 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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Laguna Woods, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Laguna Woods?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Laguna Woods?
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 electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Laguna Woods?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.