Solar Panel Cost Guide in Orland, CA (2023 Update)
- Orland Solar Installation Cost: $5,948
- 25-Year Savings: $20,383
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Orland
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Orland.
In Orland, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Orland is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,943 for a solar installation, or $8,498 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Orland depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Orland homeowner can save around $32,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Orland
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,410 |
| 3 years | $-1,334 |
| 5 years | $1,742 |
| 7 years | $4,818 |
| 9 years | $7,893 |
| 11 years | $10,969 |
| 13 years | $14,045 |
| 15 years | $17,121 |
| 17 years | $20,197 |
| 19 years | $23,272 |
| 21 years | $26,348 |
| 23 years | $29,424 |
| 25 years | $32,500 |
Top Solar Installers in Orland
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers 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 Orland
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Orland
The cost of installing a solar system in Orland can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Orland average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Orland homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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
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. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
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 Orland, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Orland?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Orland?
Solar panels aren't free in Orland, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
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.