Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carmel Valley Village, CA (2024 Update)
- Carmel Valley Village Solar Installation Cost: $7,050
- 25-Year Savings: $20,785
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carmel Valley Village
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Carmel Valley Village.
In Carmel Valley Village, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Carmel Valley Village, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $7,050, or $10,082 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Carmel Valley Village homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Carmel Valley Village can save around $34,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carmel Valley Village
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,512 |
| 3 years | $-2,436 |
| 5 years | $640 |
| 7 years | $3,715 |
| 9 years | $6,791 |
| 11 years | $9,867 |
| 13 years | $12,943 |
| 15 years | $16,019 |
| 17 years | $19,094 |
| 19 years | $22,170 |
| 21 years | $25,246 |
| 23 years | $28,322 |
| 25 years | $31,398 |
Top Solar Installers in Carmel Valley Village
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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
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 Carmel Valley Village
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carmel Valley Village
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Carmel Valley Village is $7,050, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,470 per kilowatt in Carmel Valley Village.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Carmel Valley Village to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Carmel Valley Village, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $39,276 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $52,757 | 6.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $66,432 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $80,302 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $94,366 | 6.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $108,624 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $123,076 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $137,723 | 6.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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
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 Carmel Valley Village, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carmel Valley Village?
The average cost of solar panels in Carmel Valley Village is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Carmel Valley Village?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Carmel Valley 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.
Is it worth going solar in Carmel Valley Village?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know 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 house 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.