Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pacific Grove, CA (2024 Update)
- Pacific Grove Solar Installation Cost: $7,050
- 25-Year Savings: $20,785
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pacific Grove
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Pacific Grove.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Pacific Grove is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Pacific Grove is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,050 for a solar installation, or $10,082 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Pacific Grove can save about $34,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Pacific Grove for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Pacific Grove
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,512 |
| 3 years | $-2,436 |
| 5 years | $640 |
| 7 years | $3,715 |
| 9 years | $6,791 |
| 11 years | $9,867 |
| 13 years | $12,943 |
| 15 years | $16,019 |
| 17 years | $19,094 |
| 19 years | $22,170 |
| 21 years | $25,246 |
| 23 years | $28,322 |
| 25 years | $31,398 |
Top Solar Installers in Pacific Grove
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Pacific Grove
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pacific Grove
The cost of installing a solar system in Pacific Grove 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 company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Pacific Grove, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,470 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Pacific Grove, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Most solar companies in Pacific Grove provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Pacific Grove, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $39,276 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $52,757 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $66,432 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $80,302 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $94,366 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $108,624 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $123,076 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $137,723 | 6.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be 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 to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Pacific Grove, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pacific Grove?
The average cost of solar panels in Pacific Grove is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Pacific Grove?
Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Pacific Grove?
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.