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

  • Castaic Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,698
  • Payback Period: 9.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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 Castaic

Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Castaic.

The average cost of solar panels in Castaic is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Castaic, most homeowners require a 2.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $6,920, or $9,896 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Castaic based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $25,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Castaic

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-5,736
3 years$-3,366
5 years$-997
7 years$1,373
9 years$3,742
11 years$6,112
13 years$8,481
15 years$10,851
17 years$13,220
19 years$15,590
21 years$17,959
23 years$20,329
25 years$22,698

Top Solar Installers in Castaic

Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 Castaic

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Castaic

There are a number of factors that can play into your solar panel 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

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,470.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much 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 Castaic to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.61$15,157$24,3709.6 years
8 kW$3.54$19,821$32,8829.4 years
10 kW$3.47$24,290$41,5899.2 years
12 kW$3.40$28,565$50,4899.0 years
14 kW$3.33$32,646$59,5848.8 years
16 kW$3.26$36,532$68,8748.7 years
18 kW$3.19$40,224$78,3578.5 years
20 kW$3.12$43,722$88,0358.3 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 models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • 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 past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good 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 Castaic, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Castaic?

The average cost of solar panels in Castaic is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Castaic, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.