Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rolling Hills Estates, CA (2023 Update)
- Rolling Hills Estates Solar Installation Cost: $5,446
- 25-Year Savings: $14,443
- Payback Period: 6.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rolling Hills Estates
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Rolling Hills Estates.
In Rolling Hills Estates, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. The average Rolling Hills Estates homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,446 with the federal tax credit, or $7,788 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large initial cost, the average Rolling Hills Estates homeowner can save around $27,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Rolling Hills Estates for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Rolling Hills Estates
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,651 |
| 3 years | $-3,060 |
| 5 years | $-1,469 |
| 7 years | $123 |
| 9 years | $1,714 |
| 11 years | $3,305 |
| 13 years | $4,896 |
| 15 years | $6,487 |
| 17 years | $8,078 |
| 19 years | $9,669 |
| 21 years | $11,260 |
| 23 years | $12,852 |
| 25 years | $14,443 |
Top Solar Installers in Rolling Hills Estates
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Plus, if you aren't sure what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of 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
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 Rolling Hills Estates
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rolling Hills Estates
For many Rolling Hills Estates homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Rolling Hills Estates, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Rolling Hills Estates, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Rolling Hills Estates homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Rolling Hills Estates' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $29,961 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $40,254 | 7.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $50,699 | 6.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $61,298 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $72,049 | 6.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $82,953 | 6.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $94,010 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $105,220 | 6.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Rolling Hills Estates, 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:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
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 Rolling Hills Estates, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rolling Hills Estates?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rolling Hills Estates?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Rolling Hills Estates?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.