Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orcutt, CA (Mar 2023)
- Orcutt Solar Installation Cost: $5,370
- 25-Year Savings: $20,961
- Payback Period: 5.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orcutt
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Orcutt.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Orcutt is 2.73 per watt. Since a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Orcutt, the average price of going solar will be about $5,370 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Orcutt depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Orcutt can save about $36,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Orcutt for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Orcutt
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,317 |
| 3 years | $-2,210 |
| 5 years | $-104 |
| 7 years | $2,003 |
| 9 years | $4,109 |
| 11 years | $6,216 |
| 13 years | $8,322 |
| 15 years | $10,429 |
| 17 years | $12,535 |
| 19 years | $14,642 |
| 21 years | $16,748 |
| 23 years | $18,855 |
| 25 years | $20,961 |
Top Solar Installers in Orcutt
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another advantage of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
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
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 Orcutt
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orcutt
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Orcutt: 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 for your home, 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 brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Orcutt is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $44,212 | 5.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $59,255 | 5.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $74,451 | 5.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $89,800 | 5.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $105,302 | 4.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $120,957 | 4.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $136,764 | 4.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $152,725 | 4.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Orcutt, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Orcutt?
This is a hard 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Orcutt have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Orcutt?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.