Solar Panel Cost Guide in Placentia, CA (2023 Update)
- Placentia Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $15,068
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Placentia
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Placentia.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Placentia it's 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $5,504 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Placentia homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Placentia see about $27,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Placentia that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Placentia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,681 |
| 3 years | $-3,035 |
| 5 years | $-1,389 |
| 7 years | $256 |
| 9 years | $1,902 |
| 11 years | $3,548 |
| 13 years | $5,193 |
| 15 years | $6,839 |
| 17 years | $8,485 |
| 19 years | $10,130 |
| 21 years | $11,776 |
| 23 years | $13,422 |
| 25 years | $15,068 |
Top Solar Installers in Placentia
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're searching for a solar company in Placentia, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Placentia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Placentia
Although the average cost of a solar system in Placentia is $5,504, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Placentia, 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Placentia to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Placentia's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $30,869 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $41,465 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $52,213 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $63,114 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $74,169 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $85,376 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $96,736 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $108,248 | 6.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Placentia, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Placentia?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Placentia?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Does Placentia have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Placentia?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.