Solar Panel Cost Guide in Soquel, CA (2024 Update)
- Soquel Solar Installation Cost: $7,464
- 25-Year Savings: $20,459
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Soquel
We go over average solar pricing in Soquel.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Soquel it’s 3 per watt.Since a 3.1-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Soquel, the average price of going solar will be about $7,464 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Remember 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 system you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With typical savings of about $33,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Soquel find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Soquel for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Soquel
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,926 |
| 3 years | $-2,850 |
| 5 years | $226 |
| 7 years | $3,302 |
| 9 years | $6,378 |
| 11 years | $9,453 |
| 13 years | $12,529 |
| 15 years | $15,605 |
| 17 years | $18,681 |
| 19 years | $21,757 |
| 21 years | $24,832 |
| 23 years | $27,908 |
| 25 years | $30,984 |
Top Solar Installers in Soquel
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. Going with a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Soquel
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Soquel
For many Soquel homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Soquel, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems 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 choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Soquel’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
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 | $36,259 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,734 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,403 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,267 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,325 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,577 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $114,024 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,665 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign 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 Soquel, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Soquel?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Soquel?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though 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 keep using 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.