Solar Panel Cost Guide in Vandenberg Village, CA (2023 Update)
- Vandenberg Village Solar Installation Cost: $5,370
- 25-Year Savings: $17,220
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Vandenberg Village
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Vandenberg Village.
In Vandenberg Village, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Because a 2.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Vandenberg Village, the average price of going solar will be about $5,370 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Vandenberg Village depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Vandenberg Village homeowner can save around $31,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Vandenberg Village for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Vandenberg Village
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,466 |
| 3 years | $-2,659 |
| 5 years | $-852 |
| 7 years | $955 |
| 9 years | $2,762 |
| 11 years | $4,569 |
| 13 years | $6,377 |
| 15 years | $8,184 |
| 17 years | $9,991 |
| 19 years | $11,798 |
| 21 years | $13,605 |
| 23 years | $15,412 |
| 25 years | $17,220 |
Top Solar Installers in Vandenberg Village
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. 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 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 Vandenberg Village
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Vandenberg Village
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary 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 go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,730 per kilowatt in Vandenberg Village. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Vandenberg Village to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Vandenberg Village, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Vandenberg Village have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 numerous companies available in Vandenberg Village, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- 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.
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 Vandenberg Village, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Vandenberg Village?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, 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 opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Vandenberg Village?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How will installing solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Vandenberg Village is currently $340,700, which means you can expect a value of about $13,969 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Vandenberg Village is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.