Solar Panel Cost Guide in Solvang, CA (2023 Update)
- Solvang Solar Installation Cost: $5,378
- 25-Year Savings: $17,172
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Solvang
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Solvang.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Solvang it's 2.73 per watt. Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Solvang, the average price of going solar will be about $5,370 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $30,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Solvang find going solar has a decent ROI.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Solvang
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,303 |
| 3 years | $-5,153 |
| 5 years | $-5,002 |
| 7 years | $-4,852 |
| 9 years | $-4,702 |
| 11 years | $-4,551 |
| 13 years | $-4,401 |
| 15 years | $-4,251 |
| 17 years | $-4,100 |
| 19 years | $-3,950 |
| 21 years | $-3,800 |
| 23 years | $-3,649 |
| 25 years | $-3,499 |
Top Solar Installers in Solvang
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to quality options 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 installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Solvang:
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 Solvang
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Solvang
There are several factors that can play into 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 system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use 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 brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Solvang have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Solvang homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Solvang, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $36,151 | 6.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $48,507 | 6.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $61,017 | 6.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $73,678 | 5.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $86,493 | 5.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $99,461 | 5.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $112,582 | 5.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $125,855 | 5.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Solvang, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Solvang?
The average cost of solar panels in Solvang is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.