Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orland, CA (2023 Update)
- Orland Solar Installation Cost: $5,943
- 25-Year Savings: $20,388
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orland
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Orland.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Orland typically cost around 2.73. Because a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Orland, the average price of going solar will be about $5,943 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Orland can save about $32,000 on their power 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 Orland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,890 |
| 3 years | $-2,783 |
| 5 years | $-677 |
| 7 years | $1,429 |
| 9 years | $3,536 |
| 11 years | $5,642 |
| 13 years | $7,749 |
| 15 years | $9,855 |
| 17 years | $11,962 |
| 19 years | $14,068 |
| 21 years | $16,175 |
| 23 years | $18,281 |
| 25 years | $20,388 |
Top Solar Installers in Orland
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Orland, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Orland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orland
For many Orland homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Orland, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Orland average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence how much you pay. Orland's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $38,836 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,087 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $65,491 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $79,047 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $92,757 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $106,620 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $120,635 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $134,803 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 Orland, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Orland?
The average cost of solar panels in Orland is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Orland?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value considerably 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 a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last 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 amount 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.