Solar Panel Cost Guide in Solvang, CA (2024 Update)
- Solvang Solar Installation Cost: $6,836
- 25-Year Savings: $17,172
- Payback Period: 7.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Solvang
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Solvang.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Solvang, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Solvang homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,836 with the federal tax credit, or $9,775 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Solvang homeowners see about $30,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
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 | $-5,298 |
| 3 years | $-2,222 |
| 5 years | $854 |
| 7 years | $3,929 |
| 9 years | $7,005 |
| 11 years | $10,081 |
| 13 years | $13,157 |
| 15 years | $16,233 |
| 17 years | $19,308 |
| 19 years | $22,384 |
| 21 years | $25,460 |
| 23 years | $28,536 |
| 25 years | $31,612 |
Top Solar Installers in Solvang
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you're looking for a solar company in Solvang, we've organized 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
There are a number of factors that can influence your 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 panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need 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 $3,470.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Solvang offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.When trying to figure out 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Solvang, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $32,919 | 7.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $44,281 | 7.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $55,837 | 7.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $67,587 | 7.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $79,531 | 7.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $91,670 | 7.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $104,003 | 7.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $116,531 | 6.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Solvang?
The average cost of solar panels in Solvang is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Solvang?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Solvang, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Solvang?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.