Solar Panel Cost Guide in Laguna Beach, FL (2024 Update)
- Laguna Beach Solar Installation Cost: $12,844
- 25-Year Savings: $22,657
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Laguna Beach
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Laguna Beach.
In Laguna Beach, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 5.7-kW system would cost about $12,844 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Laguna Beach can save around $22,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Laguna Beach for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Laguna Beach
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,085 |
| 3 years | $-7,566 |
| 5 years | $-4,048 |
| 7 years | $-529 |
| 9 years | $2,989 |
| 11 years | $6,508 |
| 13 years | $10,026 |
| 15 years | $13,545 |
| 17 years | $17,063 |
| 19 years | $20,582 |
| 21 years | $24,100 |
| 23 years | $27,619 |
| 25 years | $31,137 |
Top Solar Installers in Laguna Beach
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Laguna Beach
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Laguna Beach
There are several criteria that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.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 only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.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 can only 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 interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Laguna Beach’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Laguna Beach know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $3.34 | $14,021 | $20,387 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $27,542 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $34,878 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $42,392 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $50,087 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $57,961 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $66,015 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $74,249 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Laguna Beach, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Laguna Beach?
The average cost of solar panels in Laguna Beach is about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $1,146.95 per year.
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 should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.