Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carpinteria, CA (2024 Update)
- Carpinteria Solar Installation Cost: $6,836
- 25-Year Savings: $13,391
- Payback Period: 9.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carpinteria
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Carpinteria.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Carpinteria typically cost about 3.Using this figure, a typical 2.8-kW system would cost about $6,836 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Carpinteria can save around $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Carpinteria
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,651 |
| 3 years | $-3,282 |
| 5 years | $-912 |
| 7 years | $1,457 |
| 9 years | $3,827 |
| 11 years | $6,196 |
| 13 years | $8,566 |
| 15 years | $10,935 |
| 17 years | $13,305 |
| 19 years | $15,674 |
| 21 years | $18,044 |
| 23 years | $20,413 |
| 25 years | $22,783 |
Top Solar Installers in Carpinteria
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Carpinteria
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carpinteria
For many Carpinteria homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Carpinteria, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,470. 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 be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Carpinteria, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Carpinteria homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $24,858 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $33,533 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $42,402 | 9.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $51,465 | 8.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $60,723 | 8.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $70,175 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $79,821 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $89,662 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Carpinteria, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carpinteria?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Carpinteria?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,333.84 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Carpinteria?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.