Solar Panel Cost Guide in Nipomo, CA (2023 Update)
- Nipomo Solar Installation Cost: $5,496
- 25-Year Savings: $20,835
- Payback Period: 5.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Nipomo
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Nipomo.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Nipomo, the average cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Nipomo, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,504, or $7,871 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Nipomo homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Nipomo can save around $35,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Nipomo for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Nipomo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,408 |
| 3 years | $-5,233 |
| 5 years | $-5,057 |
| 7 years | $-4,882 |
| 9 years | $-4,706 |
| 11 years | $-4,530 |
| 13 years | $-4,355 |
| 15 years | $-4,179 |
| 17 years | $-4,004 |
| 19 years | $-3,828 |
| 21 years | $-3,653 |
| 23 years | $-3,477 |
| 25 years | $-3,302 |
Top Solar Installers in Nipomo
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Nipomo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Nipomo
Cost is usually 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 Nipomo: 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Nipomo. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Nipomo, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate 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
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Nipomo'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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and go with the 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 | $43,009 | 5.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $57,651 | 5.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $72,446 | 5.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $87,394 | 5.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $102,494 | 5.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $117,748 | 4.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $133,154 | 4.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $148,714 | 4.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Nipomo, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although 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 take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Nipomo, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Nipomo?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.