Solar Panel Cost Guide in Solvang, CA (Mar 2023)
- Solvang Solar Installation Cost: $5,370
- 25-Year Savings: $17,180
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Solvang
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Solvang.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Solvang, the average cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Solvang is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $5,370 for a solar installation, or $7,679 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $30,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Solvang for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Solvang
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,468 |
| 3 years | $-2,664 |
| 5 years | $-860 |
| 7 years | $944 |
| 9 years | $2,748 |
| 11 years | $4,552 |
| 13 years | $6,356 |
| 15 years | $8,160 |
| 17 years | $9,964 |
| 19 years | $11,768 |
| 21 years | $13,572 |
| 23 years | $15,376 |
| 25 years | $17,180 |
Top Solar Installers in Solvang
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Solvang
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Solvang
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Solvang is $5,370, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 spend about $2,730 per kilowatt in Solvang. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Solvang offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Solvang homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Solvang is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. 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 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 solar installer you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Solvang?
You can't get solar panels for free in Solvang. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,602.53 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.