Solar Panel Cost Guide in Meiners Oaks, CA (2023 Update)
- Meiners Oaks Solar Installation Cost: $5,474
- 25-Year Savings: $13,295
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Meiners Oaks
We break down average solar pricing in Meiners Oaks.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Meiners Oaks it's 2.73 per watt. Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Meiners Oaks, the average price of going solar will be about $5,465 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
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 quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Meiners Oaks homeowner can save about $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar installation company in Meiners Oaks, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Meiners Oaks
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,411 |
| 3 years | $-5,286 |
| 5 years | $-5,161 |
| 7 years | $-5,036 |
| 9 years | $-4,911 |
| 11 years | $-4,786 |
| 13 years | $-4,661 |
| 15 years | $-4,535 |
| 17 years | $-4,410 |
| 19 years | $-4,285 |
| 21 years | $-4,160 |
| 23 years | $-4,035 |
| 25 years | $-3,910 |
Top Solar Installers in Meiners Oaks
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Meiners Oaks:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Meiners Oaks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Meiners Oaks
The cost of installing a solar system in Meiners Oaks can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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 $2,730. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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 electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Meiners Oaks average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Meiners Oaks homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's a good idea 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Meiners Oaks is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $27,391 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $36,827 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $46,416 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $56,157 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $66,052 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $76,100 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $86,300 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $96,653 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Meiners Oaks, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Meiners Oaks?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Meiners Oaks?
You can't get solar panels for free in Meiners Oaks. 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.
Does Meiners Oaks have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 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.