Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pajaro, CA (2023 Update)
- Pajaro Solar Installation Cost: $5,546
- 25-Year Savings: $20,785
- Payback Period: 5.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pajaro
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Pajaro.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Pajaro, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Pajaro is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,542 for a solar installation, or $7,925 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Pajaro homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Pajaro can save around $34,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pajaro
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,008 |
| 3 years | $-933 |
| 5 years | $2,143 |
| 7 years | $5,219 |
| 9 years | $8,295 |
| 11 years | $11,371 |
| 13 years | $14,446 |
| 15 years | $17,522 |
| 17 years | $20,598 |
| 19 years | $23,674 |
| 21 years | $26,750 |
| 23 years | $29,825 |
| 25 years | $32,901 |
Top Solar Installers in Pajaro
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Another great thing about going with a top solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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
See all of the solar companies in Pajaro
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pajaro
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Pajaro: 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Pajaro. The type 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 in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Pajaro average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Pajaro provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Pajaro's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see 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 specials 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $42,509 | 5.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $56,984 | 5.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $71,612 | 5.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $86,394 | 5.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $101,328 | 5.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $116,414 | 5.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $131,654 | 4.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $147,047 | 4.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
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 Pajaro, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pajaro?
The average cost of solar panels in Pajaro 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 such as the kind 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 Pajaro?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Pajaro?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Pajaro?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.