Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orange, CA (2024 Update)

  • Orange Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,259
  • Payback Period: 8.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orange

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Orange.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Orange, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Since a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Orange, the average price of going solar will be about $7,006 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $26,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Orange

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,821
3 years $-3,451
5 years $-1,082
7 years $1,288
9 years $3,657
11 years $6,027
13 years $8,396
15 years $10,766
17 years $13,135
19 years $15,505
21 years $17,874
23 years $20,244
25 years $22,613

Top Solar Installers in Orange

Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Orange

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orange

The cost of installing a solar system in Orange can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest 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 panel system you need for your home, 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 $3,470. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Orange, 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

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Orange homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Orange is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.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 specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 $3.61 $15,157 $25,971 9.2 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $35,016 9.0 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $44,256 8.9 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $53,691 8.7 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $63,319 8.5 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $73,142 8.3 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $83,159 8.2 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $93,371 8.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:

  • 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 such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Orange, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Orange?

The average cost of solar panels in Orange is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Are solar panels free in Orange?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Orange, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.

How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Orange, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact 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 opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.

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