Solar Panel Cost Guide in Los Alamitos, CA (2024 Update)
- Los Alamitos Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
- 25-Year Savings: $13,257
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Los Alamitos
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Los Alamitos.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Los Alamitos, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Los Alamitos, the average price of going solar will be about $7,006 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Los Alamitos homeowners see about $25,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Los Alamitos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,821 |
| 3 years | $-3,451 |
| 5 years | $-1,082 |
| 7 years | $1,288 |
| 9 years | $3,657 |
| 11 years | $6,027 |
| 13 years | $8,396 |
| 15 years | $10,766 |
| 17 years | $13,135 |
| 19 years | $15,505 |
| 21 years | $17,874 |
| 23 years | $20,244 |
| 25 years | $22,613 |
Top Solar Installers in Los Alamitos
When going solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 Los Alamitos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Los Alamitos
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Los Alamitos: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 around $3,470. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Los Alamitos, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.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 can only 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Los Alamitos’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $23,888 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,239 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $40,785 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $49,525 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $58,459 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $67,588 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $76,911 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $86,428 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Los Alamitos, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
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 Los Alamitos, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Los Alamitos?
The average cost of solar panels in Los Alamitos is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Los Alamitos?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Los Alamitos. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,301.50 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Los Alamitos?
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 larger 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.