Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valinda, CA (2025 Update)
- Valinda Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $13,325
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valinda
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Valinda.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Valinda, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Valinda, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,920, or $9,896 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Valinda based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Valinda can save around $25,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Valinda
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,736 |
| 3 years | $-3,366 |
| 5 years | $-997 |
| 7 years | $1,373 |
| 9 years | $3,742 |
| 11 years | $6,112 |
| 13 years | $8,481 |
| 15 years | $10,851 |
| 17 years | $13,220 |
| 19 years | $15,590 |
| 21 years | $17,959 |
| 23 years | $20,329 |
| 25 years | $22,698 |
Top Solar Installers in Valinda
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you’re unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
See all of the solar companies in Valinda
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valinda
There are several criteria that can influence your solar panel 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
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,470. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Valinda average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Valinda to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Valinda’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $24,370 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $32,882 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $41,589 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $50,489 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $59,584 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $68,874 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $78,357 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $88,035 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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
EcoWatch's Valinda, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Valinda?
The average cost of solar panels in Valinda is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Valinda?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Valinda, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 level 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.