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

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 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.The average Carmel Valley Village homeowner needs a 2.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $7,050 with the federal tax credit, or $10,082 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Carmel Valley Village depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Carmel Valley Village homeowner can save around $34,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Carmel Valley Village, you can 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

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be hard. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your home.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

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 Carmel Valley Village

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carmel Valley Village

Although the average cost of a solar system in Carmel Valley Village is $7,050, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Carmel Valley Village, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Carmel Valley Village, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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

The final major cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Carmel Valley Village, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. 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 down 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

There are a lot of companies available in Carmel Valley 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:

  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.

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 Carmel Valley Village, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Carmel Valley Village?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Carmel Valley Village?

Solar panels aren’t free in Carmel Valley Village, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.

Is it worth going solar in Carmel Valley Village?

Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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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