Solar Panel Cost Guide in Scotts Valley, CA (Mar 2023)
- Scotts Valley Solar Installation Cost: $5,867
- 25-Year Savings: $20,464
- Payback Period: 5.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Scotts Valley
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Scotts Valley.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Scotts Valley typically cost about 2.73. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Scotts Valley, most homeowners require a 3.1-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,867, or $8,390 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Scotts Valley homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $33,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in Scotts Valley for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Scotts Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,814 |
| 3 years | $-2,707 |
| 5 years | $-601 |
| 7 years | $1,506 |
| 9 years | $3,612 |
| 11 years | $5,719 |
| 13 years | $7,825 |
| 15 years | $9,932 |
| 17 years | $12,038 |
| 19 years | $14,145 |
| 21 years | $16,251 |
| 23 years | $18,358 |
| 25 years | $20,464 |
Top Solar Installers in Scotts Valley
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Scotts Valley, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Scotts Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Scotts Valley
The cost of installing a solar system in Scotts Valley can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest 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 solar panels in Scotts Valley, one of the most important 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 total cost can increase by around $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Scotts Valley to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Scotts Valley are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 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 precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Scotts Valley?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it often 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Scotts Valley, 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 Scotts Valley?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.