Solar Panel Cost Guide in Los Alamitos, CA (2023 Update)
- Los Alamitos Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $13,265
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Los Alamitos
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Los Alamitos.
The average cost of solar panels in Los Alamitos is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Los Alamitos 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.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Los Alamitos homeowner can save around $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Los Alamitos for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Los Alamitos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,753 |
| 3 years | $-3,251 |
| 5 years | $-1,750 |
| 7 years | $-248 |
| 9 years | $1,253 |
| 11 years | $2,755 |
| 13 years | $4,256 |
| 15 years | $5,758 |
| 17 years | $7,259 |
| 19 years | $8,761 |
| 21 years | $10,262 |
| 23 years | $11,764 |
| 25 years | $13,265 |
Top Solar Installers in Los Alamitos
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Another upside of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Los Alamitos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Los Alamitos
There are many criteria that can affect your solar panel 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 system in Los Alamitos, one of the most crucial 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 gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Los Alamitos, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Los Alamitos have 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 a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Los Alamitos, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Los Alamitos are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $27,120 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $36,466 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $45,965 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $55,617 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $65,421 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $75,379 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $85,489 | 6.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $95,752 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Los Alamitos, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Los Alamitos, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Los Alamitos?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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 house 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.