Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buellton, CA (2024 Update)

  • Buellton Solar Installation Cost: $6,836
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,172
  • Payback Period: 7.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buellton

Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Buellton.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Buellton it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Buellton is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,836 for a solar installation, or $9,775 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Buellton can save about $30,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Buellton for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in Buellton

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 Buellton

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.

If you're searching for a solar installer in Buellton, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Buellton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buellton

There are several factors that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels 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 increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Buellton average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Buellton, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining your pricing. Buellton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 $3.61 $15,157 $32,919 7.9 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $44,281 7.7 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $55,837 7.6 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $67,587 7.4 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $79,531 7.3 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $91,670 7.1 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $104,003 7.0 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $116,531 6.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Buellton, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Buellton?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Buellton?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.

How will having solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Buellton is currently $861,609, which means you could be looking at a value of about $35,326 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Buellton is a rewarding investment.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.

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