Solar Panel Cost Guide in Simi Valley, CA (Feb 2023)
- Simi Valley Solar Installation Cost: $5,465
- 25-Year Savings: $13,304
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Simi Valley
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Simi Valley.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Simi Valley, the average cost of a solar system is $3 per watt. The average Simi Valley homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,465, or $4,044 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Simi Valley homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. With typical savings of about $25,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Simi Valley find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Simi Valley that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Simi Valley
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,715 |
| 3 years | $-3,213 |
| 5 years | $-1,712 |
| 7 years | $-210 |
| 9 years | $1,291 |
| 11 years | $2,793 |
| 13 years | $4,294 |
| 15 years | $5,796 |
| 17 years | $7,297 |
| 19 years | $8,799 |
| 21 years | $10,300 |
| 23 years | $11,802 |
| 25 years | $13,304 |
Top Solar Installers in Simi Valley
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Simi Valley, optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 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 Simi Valley
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Simi Valley
There are many factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,730. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Simi 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Simi Valley, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Simi Valley is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $27,391 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $36,827 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $46,416 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $56,157 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $66,052 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $76,100 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $86,300 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $96,653 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Simi Valley, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Simi Valley, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Simi Valley?
The average cost of solar panels in Simi Valley is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Simi Valley?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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.
Does Simi Valley have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 buy 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.