Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orange, CA (Mar 2023)
- Orange Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $14,267
- Payback Period: 7.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orange
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Orange.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Orange is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Orange, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,504, or $7,871 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. Even with the high initial cost, the average Orange homeowner can save around $26,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Orange for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Orange
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,713 |
| 3 years | $-3,131 |
| 5 years | $-1,550 |
| 7 years | $32 |
| 9 years | $1,614 |
| 11 years | $3,195 |
| 13 years | $4,777 |
| 15 years | $6,358 |
| 17 years | $7,940 |
| 19 years | $9,522 |
| 21 years | $11,103 |
| 23 years | $12,685 |
| 25 years | $14,267 |
Top Solar Installers in Orange
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Orange, optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Orange
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orange
For many Orange homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Orange, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, 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 about $2,730. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Orange provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Orange's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $29,203 | 7.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $39,243 | 7.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $49,436 | 7.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $59,782 | 6.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $70,281 | 6.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $80,933 | 6.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $91,737 | 6.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $102,695 | 6.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Many companies 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 $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 like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably 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% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house 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.