Solar Panel Cost Guide in Newport Beach, CA (2023 Update)
- Newport Beach Solar Installation Cost: $5,512
- 25-Year Savings: $13,791
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Newport Beach
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Newport Beach.
In Newport Beach, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Newport Beach, the average price of going solar will be about $5,504 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Newport Beach homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Newport Beach can save around $25,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Newport Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,447 |
| 3 years | $-5,319 |
| 5 years | $-5,190 |
| 7 years | $-5,061 |
| 9 years | $-4,933 |
| 11 years | $-4,804 |
| 13 years | $-4,675 |
| 15 years | $-4,547 |
| 17 years | $-4,418 |
| 19 years | $-4,289 |
| 21 years | $-4,161 |
| 23 years | $-4,032 |
| 25 years | $-3,903 |
Top Solar Installers in Newport Beach
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another good thing about using a vetted solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. 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
See all of the solar companies in Newport Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Newport Beach
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Newport Beach: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $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. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Newport Beach average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Newport Beach offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can impact your pricing. Newport Beach's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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 | $28,231 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,947 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $47,816 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $57,838 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $68,013 | 6.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $78,340 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $88,821 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $99,454 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: When reading through 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 like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Newport Beach, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Newport Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Newport Beach is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Newport Beach?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for 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."
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.