Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA (2024 Update)
- Rancho Santa Margarita Solar Installation Cost: $7,006
- 25-Year Savings: $15,088
- Payback Period: 8.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rancho Santa Margarita
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Rancho Santa Margarita.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Rancho Santa Margarita is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $7,006 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Rancho Santa Margarita homeowner can save about $27,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Rancho Santa Margarita for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Rancho Santa Margarita
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,505 |
| 3 years | $-2,503 |
| 5 years | $499 |
| 7 years | $3,501 |
| 9 years | $6,503 |
| 11 years | $9,505 |
| 13 years | $12,507 |
| 15 years | $15,509 |
| 17 years | $18,511 |
| 19 years | $21,513 |
| 21 years | $24,515 |
| 23 years | $27,517 |
| 25 years | $30,519 |
Top Solar Installers in Rancho Santa Margarita
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Another benefit of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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
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 Rancho Santa Margarita
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rancho Santa Margarita
The cost of installing a solar system in Rancho Santa Margarita can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,470. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Rancho Santa Margarita have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Rancho Santa Margarita homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Rancho Santa Margarita, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger 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 | $27,696 | 8.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $37,316 | 8.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $47,131 | 8.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $57,140 | 8.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $67,344 | 8.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $77,742 | 8.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $88,334 | 7.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $99,120 | 7.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high 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 service, 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 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 Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rancho Santa Margarita?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Rancho Santa Margarita?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Rancho Santa Margarita?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had 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.