Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lompoc, CA (2023 Update)
- Lompoc Solar Installation Cost: $5,370
- 25-Year Savings: $17,220
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lompoc
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Lompoc.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Lompoc is 2.73 per watt. The average Lompoc homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,370 with the federal tax credit, or $7,679 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Lompoc can save about $31,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lompoc
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,466 |
| 3 years | $-2,659 |
| 5 years | $-852 |
| 7 years | $955 |
| 9 years | $2,762 |
| 11 years | $4,569 |
| 13 years | $6,377 |
| 15 years | $8,184 |
| 17 years | $9,991 |
| 19 years | $11,798 |
| 21 years | $13,605 |
| 23 years | $15,412 |
| 25 years | $17,220 |
Top Solar Installers in Lompoc
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company 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
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 Lompoc
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lompoc
Though the average cost of a solar system in Lompoc is $5,370, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Lompoc, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Lompoc have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect how much you pay. Lompoc's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $36,235 | 6.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $48,620 | 6.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $61,157 | 6.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $73,847 | 5.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $86,690 | 5.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $99,685 | 5.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $112,834 | 5.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $126,135 | 5.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
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 Lompoc, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Lompoc?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Lompoc, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.