Solar Panel Cost Guide in Montecito, CA (2023 Update)
- Montecito Solar Installation Cost: $5,370
- 25-Year Savings: $13,399
- Payback Period: 7.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Montecito
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Montecito.
In Montecito, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Montecito is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,370 for a solar installation, or $7,679 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. With average savings of about $25,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Montecito find going solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Montecito for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Montecito
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,619 |
| 3 years | $-3,118 |
| 5 years | $-1,616 |
| 7 years | $-115 |
| 9 years | $1,387 |
| 11 years | $2,888 |
| 13 years | $4,390 |
| 15 years | $5,891 |
| 17 years | $7,393 |
| 19 years | $8,895 |
| 21 years | $10,396 |
| 23 years | $11,898 |
| 25 years | $13,399 |
Top Solar Installers in Montecito
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Montecito:
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 Montecito
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Montecito
The cost of installing a solar system in Montecito can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Montecito, one of the most crucial 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 usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Montecito to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Montecito's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $28,090 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,760 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $47,582 | 7.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $57,557 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $67,685 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $77,965 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $88,399 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $98,986 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Montecito, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Montecito?
The average cost of solar panels in Montecito is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Montecito?
You can't get solar panels for free in Montecito. However, you may still be able to get 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.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,333.84 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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.