Solar Panel Cost Guide in Woodbridge, CA (Mar 2023)
- Woodbridge Solar Installation Cost: $5,790
- 25-Year Savings: $20,541
- Payback Period: 5.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Woodbridge
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Woodbridge.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Woodbridge, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Because a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Woodbridge, the average price of going solar will be about $5,790 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Woodbridge homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the large initial cost, the average Woodbridge homeowner can save about $33,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Woodbridge that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Woodbridge
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,737 |
| 3 years | $-2,631 |
| 5 years | $-524 |
| 7 years | $1,582 |
| 9 years | $3,689 |
| 11 years | $5,795 |
| 13 years | $7,902 |
| 15 years | $10,008 |
| 17 years | $12,115 |
| 19 years | $14,221 |
| 21 years | $16,328 |
| 23 years | $18,434 |
| 25 years | $20,541 |
Top Solar Installers in Woodbridge
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Woodbridge
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Woodbridge
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Woodbridge: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,730. The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than 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 looking for a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Woodbridge, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $40,284 | 5.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $54,017 | 5.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $67,904 | 5.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $81,943 | 5.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $96,135 | 5.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $110,481 | 5.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $124,979 | 5.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $139,630 | 4.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Woodbridge, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Woodbridge?
The average cost of solar panels in Woodbridge 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Woodbridge?
You can't get solar panels for free in Woodbridge. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Does Woodbridge have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having 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.