Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vandenberg Village, CA (2023 Update)
- Vandenberg Village Solar Installation Cost: $5,378
- 25-Year Savings: $17,211
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vandenberg Village
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Vandenberg Village.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Vandenberg Village, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.73 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Vandenberg Village, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,370, or $7,679 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Vandenberg Village homeowners see about $31,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Vandenberg Village
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,303 |
| 3 years | $-5,152 |
| 5 years | $-5,002 |
| 7 years | $-4,851 |
| 9 years | $-4,700 |
| 11 years | $-4,550 |
| 13 years | $-4,399 |
| 15 years | $-4,249 |
| 17 years | $-4,098 |
| 19 years | $-3,947 |
| 21 years | $-3,797 |
| 23 years | $-3,646 |
| 25 years | $-3,496 |
Top Solar Installers in Vandenberg Village
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Vandenberg Village:
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 Vandenberg Village
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vandenberg Village
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Vandenberg Village: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think 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 searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Vandenberg Village offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Vandenberg Village's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $36,235 | 6.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $48,620 | 6.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $61,157 | 6.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $73,847 | 5.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $86,690 | 5.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $99,685 | 5.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $112,834 | 5.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $126,135 | 5.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Vandenberg Village, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Vandenberg Village, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Vandenberg Village?
The average cost of solar panels in Vandenberg Village is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Vandenberg Village?
A solar panel system isn't free in Vandenberg Village, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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 higher 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.