Solar Panel Cost Guide in San Juan Capistrano, CA (2023 Update)
- San Juan Capistrano Solar Installation Cost: $5,504
- 25-Year Savings: $15,828
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in San Juan Capistrano
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in San Juan Capistrano.
In San Juan Capistrano, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in San Juan Capistrano, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,504, or $7,871 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average San Juan Capistrano homeowners see about $28,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in San Juan Capistrano for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in San Juan Capistrano
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,650 |
| 3 years | $-2,944 |
| 5 years | $-1,237 |
| 7 years | $469 |
| 9 years | $2,176 |
| 11 years | $3,882 |
| 13 years | $5,589 |
| 15 years | $7,295 |
| 17 years | $9,002 |
| 19 years | $10,708 |
| 21 years | $12,415 |
| 23 years | $14,121 |
| 25 years | $15,828 |
Top Solar Installers in San Juan Capistrano
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels 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
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 San Juan Capistrano
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in San Juan Capistrano
For many San Juan Capistrano homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in San Juan Capistrano, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,730. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout San Juan Capistrano, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in San Juan Capistrano are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $32,451 | 6.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $43,574 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $54,850 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $66,278 | 6.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $77,860 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $89,594 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $101,481 | 5.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $113,521 | 5.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type 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.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 San Juan Capistrano, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in San Juan Capistrano?
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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in San Juan Capistrano?
A solar panel system isn't free in San Juan Capistrano, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does San Juan Capistrano 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 give you credit toward your future power bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.