Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pismo Beach, CA (2024 Update)
- Pismo Beach Solar Installation Cost: $6,986
- 25-Year Savings: $20,835
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pismo Beach
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Pismo Beach.
The average cost of a solar system in Pismo Beach is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Pismo Beach is around 2.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,986 for a solar installation, or $9,990 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $35,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pismo Beach find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Pismo Beach that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pismo Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,448 |
| 3 years | $-2,372 |
| 5 years | $704 |
| 7 years | $3,780 |
| 9 years | $6,855 |
| 11 years | $9,931 |
| 13 years | $13,007 |
| 15 years | $16,083 |
| 17 years | $19,159 |
| 19 years | $22,234 |
| 21 years | $25,310 |
| 23 years | $28,386 |
| 25 years | $31,462 |
Top Solar Installers in Pismo Beach
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and expertise. That's why almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Pismo Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pismo Beach
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Pismo Beach: 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of 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. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Pismo Beach average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Pismo Beach homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Pismo Beach homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $39,777 | 6.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $53,424 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $67,266 | 6.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $81,302 | 6.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $95,533 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $109,957 | 6.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $124,576 | 6.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $139,390 | 6.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Pismo Beach, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Pismo Beach, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pismo Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Pismo Beach is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Pismo Beach?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Pismo Beach, 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 can help lower the cost.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose 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."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.