Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valinda, CA (2023 Update)

  • Valinda Solar Installation Cost: $5,444
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,325
  • Payback Period: 7.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valinda

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Valinda.

The average cost of a solar system in Valinda is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 2.9-kW system would cost about $5,446 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $25,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Valinda

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 Valinda

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Another advantage of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by bringing down your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

See all of the solar companies in Valinda

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valinda

For many Valinda homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Valinda, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Furthermore, 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 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 decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installer you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more 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 names.

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 $27,602 7.5 years
8 kW $2.78 $15,594 $37,109 7.4 years
10 kW $2.73 $19,110 $46,769 7.3 years
12 kW $2.68 $22,473 $56,581 7.1 years
14 kW $2.62 $25,684 $66,546 7.0 years
16 kW $2.57 $28,741 $76,664 6.8 years
18 kW $2.51 $31,646 $86,935 6.7 years
20 kW $2.46 $34,398 $97,359 6.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies available in Valinda, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best Warranty Coverage

ADT Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

EcoWatch's Valinda, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Valinda?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-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 thing to consider when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,317.57 per year.

How long do solar panels last in Valinda?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.

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