Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scotts Valley, CA (2023 Update)
- Scotts Valley Solar Installation Cost: $5,872
- 25-Year Savings: $20,459
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scotts Valley
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Scotts Valley.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Scotts Valley, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. Because a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Scotts Valley, the average price of going solar will be about $5,867 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind 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 needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Scotts Valley homeowner can save about $33,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Scotts Valley that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Scotts Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,334 |
| 3 years | $-1,258 |
| 5 years | $1,818 |
| 7 years | $4,893 |
| 9 years | $7,969 |
| 11 years | $11,045 |
| 13 years | $14,121 |
| 15 years | $17,197 |
| 17 years | $20,272 |
| 19 years | $23,348 |
| 21 years | $26,424 |
| 23 years | $29,500 |
| 25 years | $32,576 |
Top Solar Installers in Scotts Valley
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra effort and handiness. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Scotts Valley:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Scotts Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scotts Valley
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,730 per kilowatt in Scotts Valley. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Scotts Valley, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Scotts Valley to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Scotts Valley's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $39,491 | 5.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $52,961 | 5.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $66,583 | 5.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $80,359 | 5.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $94,287 | 5.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $108,368 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $122,602 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $136,989 | 5.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Scotts Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Scotts Valley?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial 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 trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Scotts Valley have a net metering program?
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 give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.