Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valle Vista, CA (2023 Update)
- Valle Vista Solar Installation Cost: $5,352
- 25-Year Savings: $15,905
- Payback Period: 6.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valle Vista
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Valle Vista.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Valle Vista is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $5,351 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Valle Vista based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $29,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Valle Vista find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Valle Vista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,282 |
| 3 years | $-5,140 |
| 5 years | $-4,998 |
| 7 years | $-4,856 |
| 9 years | $-4,715 |
| 11 years | $-4,573 |
| 13 years | $-4,431 |
| 15 years | $-4,290 |
| 17 years | $-4,148 |
| 19 years | $-4,006 |
| 21 years | $-3,864 |
| 23 years | $-3,723 |
| 25 years | $-3,581 |
Top Solar Installers in Valle Vista
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Valle Vista, 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 Valle Vista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valle Vista
For many Valle Vista homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Valle Vista, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Valle Vista, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,730 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of 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. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Valle Vista average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Valle Vista offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Valle Vista homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Valle Vista is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $33,614 | 6.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $45,124 | 6.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $56,787 | 6.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $68,603 | 6.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $80,572 | 6.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $92,694 | 5.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $104,968 | 5.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $117,396 | 5.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates 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
EcoWatch's Valle Vista, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Valle Vista?
The average cost of solar panels in Valle Vista 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 stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Valle Vista?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,517.94 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Valle Vista?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.