Solar Panel Cost Guide in Rossmoor, CA (2023 Update)

  • Rossmoor Solar Installation Cost: $5,512
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,257
  • Payback Period: 7.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Rossmoor

See how much it might cost to go solar in Rossmoor.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Rossmoor it's 2.73 per watt. Because a 2.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Rossmoor, the average price of going solar will be about $5,504 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Rossmoor 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 many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $25,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.

To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Rossmoor, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Rossmoor

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,449
3 years $-5,324
5 years $-5,199
7 years $-5,074
9 years $-4,949
11 years $-4,824
13 years $-4,698
15 years $-4,573
17 years $-4,448
19 years $-4,323
21 years $-4,198
23 years $-4,073
25 years $-3,948

Top Solar Installers in Rossmoor

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.

If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Rossmoor

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Rossmoor

The cost of installing a solar system in Rossmoor can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Rossmoor, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Rossmoor, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Rossmoor homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to add 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Rossmoor, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 $2.84 $11,925 $27,120 7.6 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $36,466 7.5 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $45,965 7.3 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $55,617 7.2 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $65,421 7.0 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $75,379 6.9 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $85,489 6.8 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $95,752 6.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Rossmoor, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Rossmoor?

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Rossmoor?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to 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 home 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.

Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?

It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Rossmoor, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Rossmoor?

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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.

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