Solar Panel Cost Guide in Topanga, CA (2023 Update)
- Topanga Solar Installation Cost: $5,444
- 25-Year Savings: $15,191
- Payback Period: 6.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Topanga
We go over average solar pricing in Topanga.
In Topanga, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Topanga, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $5,446, or $7,788 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Topanga homeowner can save around $28,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Topanga
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,260 |
| 3 years | $-1,890 |
| 5 years | $479 |
| 7 years | $2,849 |
| 9 years | $5,218 |
| 11 years | $7,588 |
| 13 years | $9,957 |
| 15 years | $12,327 |
| 17 years | $14,696 |
| 19 years | $17,066 |
| 21 years | $19,435 |
| 23 years | $21,805 |
| 25 years | $24,174 |
Top Solar Installers in Topanga
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and handiness. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're looking for a solar company in Topanga, the EcoWatch team has 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
See all of the solar companies in Topanga
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Topanga
Although the average cost of a solar system in Topanga is $5,446, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,730 per kilowatt in Topanga. The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, 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 researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Topanga homeowners, they can also raise 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 panel installer you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Some companies 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $31,533 | 6.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $42,350 | 6.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $53,320 | 6.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $64,442 | 6.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $75,718 | 6.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $87,146 | 6.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $98,727 | 6.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $110,461 | 5.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Topanga, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Topanga, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Topanga?
The average cost of solar panels in Topanga is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Topanga?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Topanga?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 household 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.