Solar Panel Cost Guide in Moraga, CA (2023 Update)
- Moraga Solar Installation Cost: $5,818
- 25-Year Savings: $20,513
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Moraga
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Moraga.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Moraga it's 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $5,809 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind 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 needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $33,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
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Solar savings over time in Moraga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,730 |
| 3 years | $-5,554 |
| 5 years | $-5,379 |
| 7 years | $-5,203 |
| 9 years | $-5,028 |
| 11 years | $-4,852 |
| 13 years | $-4,677 |
| 15 years | $-4,501 |
| 17 years | $-4,326 |
| 19 years | $-4,150 |
| 21 years | $-3,975 |
| 23 years | $-3,799 |
| 25 years | $-3,623 |
Top Solar Installers in Moraga
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Moraga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Moraga
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Moraga: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
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 about $2,730. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Moraga average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Moraga provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Moraga is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $39,971 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $53,600 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,382 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $81,317 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $95,405 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $109,646 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $124,039 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $138,586 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact 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 some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Moraga, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Moraga?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Moraga, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.
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.