Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pismo Beach, CA (2023 Update)
- Pismo Beach Solar Installation Cost: $5,496
- 25-Year Savings: $20,835
- Payback Period: 5.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pismo Beach
We go over average solar pricing in Pismo Beach.
The average cost of a solar system in Pismo Beach is 2.73 per watt. The average Pismo Beach homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,504 with the federal tax credit, or $7,871 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on your specific situation and what company you go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Pismo Beach can save about $35,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pismo Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,408 |
| 3 years | $-5,233 |
| 5 years | $-5,057 |
| 7 years | $-4,882 |
| 9 years | $-4,706 |
| 11 years | $-4,530 |
| 13 years | $-4,355 |
| 15 years | $-4,179 |
| 17 years | $-4,004 |
| 19 years | $-3,828 |
| 21 years | $-3,653 |
| 23 years | $-3,477 |
| 25 years | $-3,302 |
Top Solar Installers in Pismo Beach
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Pismo Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pismo Beach
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total 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
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Pismo Beach offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. Although solar loans make going solar 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 put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Pismo Beach, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $43,009 | 5.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $57,651 | 5.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $72,446 | 5.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $87,394 | 5.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $102,494 | 5.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $117,748 | 4.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $133,154 | 4.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $148,714 | 4.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available in Pismo Beach, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
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 Pismo Beach, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pismo Beach?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Pismo Beach?
Solar panels aren't free in Pismo Beach, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Pismo Beach is currently $768,600, which means you could be looking at a value of about $31,513 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Pismo Beach is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Pismo Beach?
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 higher 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.