Solar Panel Cost Guide in Malibu, CA (2025 Update)
- Malibu Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $14,724
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Malibu
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Malibu.
In Malibu, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Malibu, the average price of going solar will be about $6,920 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Malibu depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $27,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Malibu
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,736 |
| 3 years | $-3,366 |
| 5 years | $-997 |
| 7 years | $1,373 |
| 9 years | $3,742 |
| 11 years | $6,112 |
| 13 years | $8,481 |
| 15 years | $10,851 |
| 17 years | $13,220 |
| 19 years | $15,590 |
| 21 years | $17,959 |
| 23 years | $20,329 |
| 25 years | $22,698 |
Top Solar Installers in Malibu
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Malibu
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Malibu
The cost of installing a solar system in Malibu can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Malibu, 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Malibu average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Malibu to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Malibu, 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 pricing, 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $27,318 | 8.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $36,813 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $46,502 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $56,385 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $66,463 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $76,735 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $87,201 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $97,862 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
EcoWatch's Malibu, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Malibu?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 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 above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Malibu?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Malibu?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.