Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vandenberg AFB, CA (2024 Update)
- Vandenberg AFB Solar Installation Cost: $6,836
- 25-Year Savings: $20,953
- Payback Period: 6.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vandenberg AFB
We break down average solar pricing in Vandenberg AFB.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Vandenberg AFB it’s 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Vandenberg AFB, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,836, or $9,775 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Vandenberg AFB based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $36,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Vandenberg AFB find going solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Vandenberg AFB for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Vandenberg AFB
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,298 |
| 3 years | $-2,222 |
| 5 years | $854 |
| 7 years | $3,929 |
| 9 years | $7,005 |
| 11 years | $10,081 |
| 13 years | $13,157 |
| 15 years | $16,233 |
| 17 years | $19,308 |
| 19 years | $22,384 |
| 21 years | $25,460 |
| 23 years | $28,536 |
| 25 years | $31,612 |
Top Solar Installers in Vandenberg AFB
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy consumption, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Vandenberg AFB
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vandenberg AFB
There are several criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The brand 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 cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Vandenberg AFB, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. Vandenberg AFB’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $40,980 | 6.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $55,028 | 6.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $69,271 | 6.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $83,708 | 6.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $98,340 | 6.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $113,166 | 6.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $128,186 | 6.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $143,401 | 5.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Well-established companies 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 adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Vandenberg AFB, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vandenberg AFB?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Vandenberg AFB?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Vandenberg AFB. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.