Solar Panel Cost Guide in Valle Vista, CA (Mar 2023)
- Valle Vista Solar Installation Cost: $5,351
- 25-Year Savings: $15,907
- Payback Period: 6.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Valle Vista
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Valle Vista.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Valle Vista, the average cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Valle Vista, the average price of going solar will be about $5,351 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Valle Vista homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Valle Vista homeowner can save around $29,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Valle Vista for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Valle Vista
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,500 |
| 3 years | $-2,800 |
| 5 years | $-1,099 |
| 7 years | $601 |
| 9 years | $2,302 |
| 11 years | $4,003 |
| 13 years | $5,703 |
| 15 years | $7,404 |
| 17 years | $9,104 |
| 19 years | $10,805 |
| 21 years | $12,506 |
| 23 years | $14,206 |
| 25 years | $15,907 |
Top Solar Installers in Valle Vista
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Valle Vista
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Valle Vista
There are a number of factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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 ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 in the long run 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 installers in Valle Vista offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Valle Vista, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle 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 solar company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid 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.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
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 Valle Vista, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Valle Vista?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
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.