Solar Panel Cost Guide in Thousand Oaks, CA (2023 Update)
- Thousand Oaks Solar Installation Cost: $5,465
- 25-Year Savings: $13,304
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Thousand Oaks
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Thousand Oaks.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Thousand Oaks is 2.73 per watt. The average Thousand Oaks homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $5,465 with the federal tax credit, or $7,815 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Thousand Oaks homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Thousand Oaks see about $25,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Thousand Oaks, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Thousand Oaks
| 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 Thousand Oaks
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some 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 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 Thousand Oaks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Thousand Oaks
There are many criteria 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 performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining the cost. Thousand Oaks' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Thousand Oaks, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Thousand Oaks?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Thousand Oaks?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Thousand Oaks?
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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.